Intranasal administration: a prospective drug delivery route to the brain

In recent decades the interest in intranasal drug administration is increased, not only for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the nasal cavity but mainly for drug delivery to the brain. The advantages of intranasal drug delivery (IDD) are the high bioavailability of drugs, rapid development of therapeutic effects, non-invasiveness, painlessness, and simple and comfortable application. In order to reach a high extent and rate of drug absorption and bioavailability, various approaches have been suggested, including application of micro- and nanocarriers. Intranasal administration is used for a wide variety of drugs, including proteins, peptides, and highly polar compounds. The opportunity to use IDD to the brain opens new promise for the effective treatment of cerebral pathologies.