Nasal Route of Drug Delivery

Abstract

Nasal drug delivery has traditionally been used for the administration of drugs (e.g., saline solutions,decongestants, corticosteroids, or antihistamines) to produce local effects, as in the case of allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion [1]. This is a primary option for drug delivery, because it allows rapid symptom relief with a more favorable adverse event profile than either the oral or parenteralroutes [2]. In addition, interest in the nasal route has increased in recent years due to its ability toproduce systemic effects. As the nasal route presents a relatively large surface area available forabsorption, with a rapid onset of therapeutic action, avoidance of first-pass metabolism, andnoninvasiveness of application of the active substance, it is associated with better patient comfortand compliance [1]. This route also permits direct pathways to the central nervous system, whichbypasses the blood?brain barrier, thereby reducing systemic exposure and, consequently, systemicside effects [3]. An improved scientific and technological knowledge has allowed the development of new promising alternatives for the systemic delivery by the nasal route of numerous drugs, therapies, and vaccines for a variety of diseases [4].