A device and method for the oral transmucosal delivery of active substances
to the oral cavity utilizing an unplasticized polyvinyl pyrrolidone
polymer (PVP) as the primary mucoadhesive. The device is applied and
adheres to the mucosa of the oral cavity without causing side effects or
leaving an unpleasant taste. Preferably the device is a bilayer tablet
having a mucoadhesive layer and an overlying active substance containing
layer. The mucoadhesive layer may contain PVP as the only adhesive or may
be combined with other hydrophilic polymeric substances. The active layer
also contains a hydrophilic polymer carrier. The layers in the device
dissolve and release the active substance to the oral cavity and is
particularly adapted for the delivery of substances active in the oral
cavity such as breath fresheners and substances to combat dry mouth. It is
also useful for the delivery of ionic drugs such as peptides.
