Flavored dosage forms, e.g., lozenges and gums, are provided for sustainedrelease of a flavoring agent in the mouth. The dosage forms provide sustainedrelease by virtue of a wet matrix formed by admixture of a biocompatible,hydrophilic, water-insoluble polymer such as ethylcellulose and a flavoringagent, particularly an essential oil or a constituent thereof, e.g., a terpeneor sesquiterpene. The dosage forms may also include a second beneficial agentin addition to the flavoring agent. Exemplary such beneficial agents includeionizable zinc compounds and other cold remedies, local anesthetic and anti-infective agents, diet aids, fluoride-releasing compounds, and nicotine. Thedosage forms, when formulated as lozenges, may be somewhat adhesive orsubstantially nontacky, depending primarily on the molecular weight of thehydrophilic polymer. Adhesive lozenges can serve as dosage forms that adhereto the teeth or gums for delivery of a beneficial agent thereto. Methods forusing the dosage forms to provide sustained release of a flavoring agent andoptionally deliver a second beneficial agent are also provided, as are methodsfor treating the common cold, treating a sore throat, facilitating weightloss, and assisting in smoking cessation.
