Mouth Dissolving Tablets: A Novel Approach for Medication

Tramadol Hydrochloride (Tramadol HCl) is an opioid analgesic used for treatment of moderate to severe pain. Although its mode of action is not completely understood, at least two complementary mechanisms appear applicable binding to µ-opioid receptors and inhibition of re-uptake of nor-adrenaline and serotonin. The drug is available in both oral and parenteral forms, but oral route is more preferred in the form of a tablet. Such type of drug requires rapid onset of action by the achieving immediate release of drug from its dosage form. MDT dissolves or disintegrates quickly in a few seconds in saliva after placing in the oral cavity. In this type of dosage form a portion of medicament is also absorbed through the mouth, pharynx and esophagus as the medicament saliva mixtures descends into the stomach. In this way it provides the rapid onset of action and prevent hepatic first pass metabolism, thus enhancing the bioavaibility of the drug and also enhance the patient compliance.