Lozenges
Lozenges or Troches, are defined as "solid dosage forms containing medicinal substances plus flavoring and sweetening agents, intended to be dissolved in the oral cavity intended for local or systemic use". Commercially manufactured troches are usually "tablet shaped", or round, flat and hard.

Appreciating the Lozenge
In order to appreciate the importance of lozenges as a delivery system and as a dosage form, let us review the anatomy and physiology of the mouth. The oral cavity is identified as a region medial to the teeth, and the region is covered with stratified squamous epithelium. Passive absorption occurs through the areas of the buccal, gingival, and sublingual mucosa. The lining of the tongue and the palate is less permeable, and absorption occurs less efficiently there. Lying beneath the epithelial layer is a network of veins and beneath them, arteries. Absorption takes place through the epithelium as the drug is carried to the lingual vein. From the lingual vein, blood (now with the drug) is carried toward the heart through the internal jugular vein, the right brachocephalic vein, and then to the superior vena cava. What is important about this pathway is that the liver is not involved. The drug is delivered into the circulation unchanged by metabolic reactions.

Since the lozenge has to remain in contact with the mucosa for absorption to take effect, the design of the delivery system is important. The physical and chemical characteristics, taste, and feel are important considerations when preparing a lozenge.

Acology Lozi-Tab is sweetened and flavored without the use of sucrose. The ingredients are natural and do not affect blood glucose or contribute to dental caries (cavities). This base can be used with many different nutraceutical and pharmaceutical chemicals since moisture and heat are not used during the tableting processes.


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