In Situ Gel: A Novel Alternative For Intranasal Drug Delivery

Abstract

The oral route stands as the primary method for administering drugs into the body through the mouth. However, this favoured technique encounters several limitations, including challenges with drug absorption, low bioavailability, the obstacle of first-pass hepatic metabolism, and the need for precise drug targeting to specific organs. Due to these hurdles, alternative routes such as the parenteral, transmucosal, and transdermal methods gain preference over the oral approach. A notable advancement in drug delivery aiming to enhance patient safety and effectiveness is the development of the in situ nasal drug delivery system. Within this system, drugs are initially administered as a less viscous solution, which upon contact with the nasal mucosa, transforms into a gel. This gel-based formulation via the nasal route proves beneficial for drugs plagued by challenges during oral administration, such as gastric discomfort, poor absorption, low bioavailability, and susceptibility to first-pass hepatic metabolism. The formulation of these gels often involves the use of various triggered polymers.