Recent advances in dosage form design for the elderly: a review

ABSTRACT

Introduction

With the increase in the elderly population and the prevalence of multiple medical conditions, medication adherence, and efficacy have become crucial for the effective management of their health. The aging population faces unique challenges that need to be addressed through advancements in drug delivery systems and formulation technologies.

Areas covered

The current review highlights the recent advances in dosage form design for older individuals, with consideration of their specific physiological and cognitive changes. Various dosage forms, such as modified-release tablets/capsules, chewable tablets, and transdermal patches, can be tailored to meet the specific needs of elderly patients. Advancements in drug delivery systems, such as nanotherapeutics, additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing), and drug-food combinations, improve drug delivery and efficacy and overcome challenges, such as dysphagia and medication adherence.

Expert opinion

Regulatory guidelines and considerations are crucial in ensuring the safe utilization of medications among older adults. Important factors to consider include geriatric-specific guidelines, safety considerations, labeling requirements, clinical trial considerations, and adherence and accessibility considerations.

KEYWORDS:

• Elderly
• dosage form
• nanotherapeutics
• regulatory guidelines
• delivery systems

Article highlights

• Medication adherence and efficacy are critical for managing the health of the elderly population with multiple medical conditions.

• Advances in drug delivery systems and formulation technologies are essential to address the unique challenges faced by older individuals.

• Dosage forms like modified-release tablets/capsules, chewable tablets, and transdermal patches can be customized to meet the specific needs of elderly patients.

• Innovations such as nanotherapeutics, additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing), and drug-food combinations improve drug delivery, address challenges like dysphagia, and enhance medication adherence in the elderly population.

• Different swallowing process/taste masking technology such as MedCoat®, Pill Glide®

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.