Intranasal delivery is a pharmaceutical route of administration where therapeutic agents are formulated to be absorbed through the nasal mucosa directly into the systemic circulation or the central nervous system. This non-invasive method offers rapid onset of action and avoids the first-pass metabolism that often limits oral bioavailability. It is a specialized technique for administering certain peptides or hormones.
Origin
The technique’s origin is rooted in the physiological understanding of the nasal cavity’s rich vascularity and its direct connection to the brain via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. The term is a combination of intra- (within) and nasal (of the nose). Its application has gained prominence for peptides that are easily degraded in the gastrointestinal tract.
Mechanism
The nasal epithelium’s thin, permeable membrane and dense capillary network facilitate the passive or active transport of drug molecules directly into the bloodstream. For certain neuroactive agents, intranasal delivery exploits the nose-to-brain pathway, allowing the therapeutic substance to bypass the restrictive blood-brain barrier via perineural sheaths. This mechanism provides a non-systemic route to achieve rapid and concentrated effects within the central nervous system, which is particularly advantageous for neuro-hormones.
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