Intranasal drug delivery for systemic medications

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Oral drug administration faces limitations like hepatic first-pass elimination and poor absorption for large molecules.
• Intravenous (IV) administration is effective but invasive and inconvenient for chronic treatments.
• Alternative delivery routes are needed for specific drug candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review scientific advances in intra- and transnasal drug delivery for systemic medication.
• To discuss the fundamentals, developmental concepts, and biomedical assessment of these routes.
• To highlight the potential of nasal drug delivery for drugs with poor oral bioavailability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles and research papers.
• Analysis of studies focusing on intra- and transnasal drug delivery mechanisms.
• Evaluation of data on drug absorption, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy via nasal routes.

Main Results:

• Intra- and transnasal routes provide direct pathways to systemic circulation, bypassing the liver.
• These routes are effective for drugs susceptible to oral degradation or too large for efficient absorption.
• Advances include novel formulations and delivery devices enhancing drug permeation and stability.

Conclusions:

• Nasal drug delivery presents a viable alternative to oral and IV administration for specific systemic medications.
• Further research and development are warranted to optimize formulations and clinical applications.
• This delivery strategy holds significant potential for improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance.