"MEDICATED CIGARETTES: A PROMISING UNUSUAL DOSAGE FORM"

Several route of administration of drug have not only been described but also practiced for numerous times. Depending upon the physical property of drug it can be injected, swallowed, applied, instilled etc by selecting suitable dosage form for the administration. Similarly the medicines can be administered through smoke by the use of medicated cigarettes. Convenience of administration and patient compliance are gaining significant importance in the design of dosage forms. Recently, more emphasis is laid down on the development of an organoleptically elegant and patient-friendly drug delivery system for patients. Novelty in terms of dosage form designing is needed for several reasons like taste masking, better therapeutic efficacy etc but the primary objective is better patient compliance. Unusual dosage form compared to routine / conventional dosage forms are better in terms of its user friendly nature. So, better patient compliance can be achieved. We hesitate to talk about “Cigarette”, but this technique could be used for delivery of medicine; it could be interesting to study and apply for research.! The concept of medicated cigarette is discussed in detail with emphasis on history, development and future scope in this field.