To improve therapeutic effects and compatibility of patients, controlled release tablet systems based on polymers are of great interest for pharmaceutical technologies. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a non-ionic linear hydrophilic and uncrosslinked polymer available in a number of molecular weights. It is synthesized by ethylene oxide and has many desirable properties for drug delivery applications. This review article aims to summary the recent developments on physicochemical properties of PEO and focus on the recent efforts and developments on PEO as oral controlled release matrix tablets, bioadhesive hydrophilic matrices and osmotic pump tablets. Commercial products employed PEO were also discussed.
Keywords: Bioadhesive hydrophilic matrix; PEO; commercial product; controlled release tablet; matrix tablet; osmotic pump tablet; physicochemical properties.