Taste Masking and Solubility Enhancement Strategies for Mefenamic Acid and Paracetamol in Oral Dispersible Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Mefenamic acid and paracetamol are among the most widely prescribed non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic agents. Despite their clinical effectiveness, formulation challenges such as intense bitterness and poor aqueous solubility—particularly in the case of mefenamic acid—pose significant barriers to patient compliance. These issues are especially critical in paediatric and geriatric populations, where oral dispersible dosage forms are preferred due to swallowing difficulties. Oral dispersible tablets (ODTs), dispersible tablets, and granules for oral suspension are designed to disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity or upon reconstitution; however, this rapid disintegration increases exposure of drug particles to taste buds, thereby intensifying bitterness. Consequently, the development of effective taste masking strategies in parallel with solubility enhancement techniques is essential. This comprehensive review focuses specifically on formulation strategies employed for paracetamol and mefenamic acid, summarizing conventional and advanced taste masking approaches, solubility enhancement technologies, integrated formulation strategies, evaluation methodologies, and regulatory considerations.