Advanced Nano-Enabled Orodispersible Tablets for Patient- Centric Epilepsy Management

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) remain the primary therapeutic approach for seizure management; however, conventional oral dosage forms often present limitations such as poor patient compliance, difficulty in swallowing, delayed onset of action, and variable bioavailability. Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) have emerged as a patient- friendly drug delivery system that rapidly disintegrates in the oral cavity without the need for water, making them particularly beneficial for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. Despite their advantages, conventional ODTs face challenges including poor mechanical strength, moisture sensitivity, limited drug loading, and inadequate taste masking. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have provided promising opportunities to overcome these limitations through the development of nano-enabled ODTs. Incorporation of nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), liposomes, and nanoemulsions can significantly enhance drug solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, controlled drug release, and brain-targeting efficiency. Levetiracetam, a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug with favorable pharmacokinetic properties, is considered an ideal candidate for nano-enabled orodispersible delivery systems due to its rapid action, minimal hepatic metabolism, and suitability for long-term epilepsy management. This review highlights the advantages and limitations of ODTs, key excipients used in their formulation, desired characteristics of ideal ODTs, and the role of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems in improving antiepileptic therapy.