Abstract

PHARMACOKINETICS OF SUBLINGUAL FILMS: AVOIDANCE OF FIRST-PASS METABOLISM

Miss. Sakshi Sanjay Dighe*, Mrs. Snehal Santosh Pendbhaje, Miss. Akanksha Bhagwaan Ghadge, Miss. Sejal Rohidas Kanade

Abstract

Sublingual drug administration is widely employed for medications susceptible to degradation or extensive first-pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. Delivering drugs through the oral mucosa presents a promising alternative to conventional oral routes. Sublingual films, as an advanced dosage form, offer rapid onset of action and improved patient compliance compared to tablets or capsules. These films dissolve quickly beneath the tongue, allowing drug absorption through the highly permeable sublingual mucosa, which is more efficient than buccal or palatal areas. The sublingual route bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism, resulting in enhanced bioavailability. Various innovative techniques are used to formulate sublingual films, addressing diverse pharmaceutical needs, including ease of use for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. This review explores the pharmacokinetics of sublingual films, their advantages, limitations, and the factors influencing sublingual absorption, emphasizing the role of avoiding first-pass metabolism in achieving therapeutic efficacy.

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