Products
Chewing gums with active pharmaceutical ingredients are available in pharmacies and drugstores. In many countries, only a few pharmaceuticals are approved as chewing gums. Most belong to other product categories, for example, confectionery, dietary supplements, or dental care products.
Structure and properties
Active ingredient-containing chewing gums are solid single-dose preparations with a base mass composed primarily of gum and intended to be chewed rather than swallowed. They contain one or more active ingredients that are released during chewing. They consist of water-soluble and -insoluble portions. The base is a tasteless and kneadable gum consisting of natural or synthetic elastomers (e.g. polyvinyl acetate). Excipients in chewing gums include:
- Sweeteners such as isomalt, aspartame and sucralose.
- Sugar, glucose syrup (rare today, as most chewing gums are tooth-friendly).
- Humectants such as glycerol and sorbitol.
- Flavorings, e.g. spearmint, peppermint oil, cinnamon, strawberry flavoring, green tea.
- Thickeners such as Arabic gum
- Stabilizers, antioxidants such as buthylhydroxitulol (BHT).
- Acidity regulators such as malic acid and citric acid.
- Emulsifiers such as lecithin
- Colorants such as calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide and allura red AC.
- Coating agents such as carnauba wax
The gums can be made by pressing or softening and melting.
Effects
The pharmacological effects depend on the active ingredients they contain. They are released from the base during chewing. The active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream either directly through the oral mucosa or in the intestine. In buccal absorption, first-pass metabolism is bypassed. Furthermore, the active ingredients may also exert local effects in the oral cavity and pharynx. Chewing gums are suitable for children and patients with dysphagia, and they have a rapid onset of action.
Examples and indications
Medicines:
- Nicotine chewing gum for smoking cessation.
- Dimenhydrinate chewing gums for motion sickness
Products without medical indication:
- Probiotics chewing gums for diseases of the teeth, gums and oral mucosa.
- Cannabidiol chewing gums (CBD) as a sedative.
- Herbal extracts with different properties
- Essential oils, activated charcoal against bad breath.
- Vitamins and minerals for supplementation
- Dietary fiber against excess weight
- Caffeine against fatigue
- Xylitol and fluorides against tooth decay
Dosage
According to the professional information. The chewing gums are usually chewed slowly during a defined period of time.
Contraindications
According to the professional information.
Adverse effects
Specific possible adverse effects include local reactions in the mouth and throat, hypersensitivity reactions, and indigestion.
