SOLID DISPERSIONS FOR SUBLINGUAL DRUG DELIVERY: AN UNDEREXPLORED STRATEGY FOR RAPID ONSET AND IMPROVED BIOAVAILABILITY

Rapid, reliable sublingual medication absorption is nevertheless hampered by poor water solubility and sluggish breakdown. However, by employing hydrophilic carriers to disperse the drug with limited water solubility in the hydrophilic matrix, improving the wettability and rate of dissolution and raising the bioavailability of drug with limited aqueous solubility, solid dispersion technology can effectively overcome these obstacles. In particular, solid dispersions will be critically assessed in relation to sublingual drug delivery methods in this review of the literature, focusing on the physiological attributes of the sublingual mucosa, the classifications and evolution of solid dispersion systems, the types of drugs that are suitable for solid dispersions, carrier selection, and drug release mechanisms. The review will also discuss solid dispersions for the enhancement of dissolution rate, reduce doses, provide a means of masking taste and providing a uniform release of drug. Recent developments associated with synthetic, natural, and modified hydrophilic carriers will also be summarized. Some of the major challenges associated with solid dispersions will also be highlighted, including physical stability issues, scale-up challenges, interindividual variability, and regulatory challenges. Future opportunities, including personalized medicine and the use of artificial intelligence to develop formulations, will also be addressed.