Abstract

MEDICATED CHEWING GUM: A TRAVEL FRIENDLY DOSAGE FORM

Sreekavya B.*

ABSTRACT

The medicated chewing gum has through the years gained increasing acceptance as a drug delivery system. Now-a-days it is considered to be a potential and convenient modified release drug delivery system which can be used in pain relief medication, smoking cessation, travel illness, freshening of breath, prevention of dental caries, alleviation of xerostomia, vitamin or mineral supplementation etc. It is a solid single dose preparations with a base consisting mainly of gums with are indented to be chewed but not swallowed, providing a slow steady release of the medicine contained. Moreover medicated chewing gums require the active and continuous masticatory activities for activation and continuation of drug release. Children in particular may consider chewing gum as a more preferred method of drug administration compared with the oral liquids and tablets. The release of a drug from chewing gum is dependent upon its water solubility. Water soluble substances are released rapidly and completely from chewing gum and methods are available which retard their release from chewing gum to provide an extended release profile.

Keywords: Chewing gum, Gum base, Oral mucosal drug delivery system.