Mouth Dissolving Tablets as an Effective Drug Delivery Approach for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains one of the most common and distressing adverse effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy. Despite the availability of effective antiemetic agents, challenges such as poor patient compliance, difficulty in swallowing conventional oral dosage forms, and delayed onset of action continue to limit optimal therapeutic outcomes. Mouth dissolving tablets (MDTs), also referred to as orally disintegrating tablets, have emerged as a patient-centric drug delivery system designed to rapidly disintegrate in the oral cavity without the need for water. This characteristic makes MDTs particularly advantageous for patients suffering from nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, or oral discomfort associated with chemotherapy.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of mouth dissolving tablets as an effective drug delivery approach for the management of CINV. The pathophysiology and classification of CINV are briefly discussed, followed by an in-depth analysis of MDT technology, formulation strategies, and excipient selection. Emphasis is placed on commonly used antiemetic drugs such as ondansetron, granisetron, and other 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists formulated as MDTs. Clinical evidence supporting the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of MDT-based antiemetic therapy is critically evaluated. Additionally, the advantages, limitations, and formulation challenges associated with MDTs are highlighted, along with future perspectives for improving therapeutic effectiveness through novel formulation approaches. Overall, mouth dissolving tablets represent a promising and effective alternative to conventional oral dosage forms, offering improved patient compliance and enhanced management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.