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Review
. 2022 Feb 27;14(3):530.
doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030530.

Advances in the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Infections by the Nasal and the Oromucosal Route: Relevance to the Fight with the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Nadezhda Ivanova  1 , Yoana Sotirova  1 , Georgi Gavrailov  1 , Krastena Nikolova  2 , Velichka Andonova  1
Affiliations
Review

Advances in the Prophylaxis of Respiratory Infections by the Nasal and the Oromucosal Route: Relevance to the Fight with the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Nadezhda Ivanova et al. Pharmaceutics. .

Abstract

In this time of COVID-19 pandemic, the strategies for prevention of the infection are a primary concern. Looking more globally on the subject and acknowledging the high degree of misuse of protective face masks from the population, we focused this review on alternative pharmaceutical developments eligible for self-defense against respiratory infections. In particular, the attention herein is directed to the nasal and oromucosal formulations intended to boost the local immunity, neutralize or mechanically "trap" the pathogens at the site of entry (nose or mouth). The current work presents a critical review of the contemporary methods of immune- and chemoprophylaxis and their suitability and applicability in topical mucosal dosage forms for SARS-CoV-2 prophylaxis.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; antiviral drugs; mucoadhesive dosage forms; mucosal drug delivery; nasal drug delivery; prophylaxis; protective nasal sprays; protective oral sprays; respiratory infections.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Infectious cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and niches for prevention of the infection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Structure of the nasal cavity: lateral (R) and frontal view (L).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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