# Why Does Mucoadhesion Matter? Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Systems with Antifungal Activity in the Local Treatment of Oral Cavity Candidiasis

## TL;DR

This paper explores how mucoadhesive drug delivery systems can improve the treatment of oral fungal infections by sticking to mucous membranes and delivering antifungal agents effectively.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of mucoadhesive systems for treating oral candidiasis, emphasizing their mechanisms and recent developments.

## Key findings

- Mucoadhesive systems offer prolonged drug retention and higher local concentrations for treating oral fungal infections.
- Localized drug delivery reduces the need for systemic administration, lowering side effects and drug doses.
- Recent scientific reports highlight the development and quality assessment of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems for oral fungal diseases.

## Abstract

Disorders in the oral cavity caused by pathogenic fungi pose a significant clinical challenge, particularly in immunocompromised patients, as well as those undergoing oncological therapy or antibiotic treatment. A practical therapeutic approach involves the topical application of mucoadhesive drug dosage forms. However, only a limited number of such preparations are available on the pharmaceutical market. Mucoadhesive systems are especially advantageous, as they ensure prolonged retention and adequate concentrations of the active substances at the site of infection. Localized drug delivery enhances therapeutic efficacy compared to systemic administration, enabling lower drug doses, and consequently reducing the risk of side effects. Moreover, many fungal conditions require long-term treatment, which may be optimized by the use of mucoadhesive systems, improving patient compliance. Considering the issue of limited adhesion of conventional drug dosage forms and the moist environment in the oral cavity, providing optimal mucoadhesive properties is a key aspect. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the significance of treating oral candidiasis using mucoadhesive drug dosage forms, the mechanisms and advantages of mucoadhesion (including relevant polymers), and, most importantly, recent scientific reports on the development and quality assessment of mucoadhesive drug delivery systems for the management of oral fungal diseases.