Abstract

AN OVERVIEW OF FORMULATION AND EVALUATION ASPECTS OF FAST DISSOLVING ORAL FILMS

*Dr. Adil Patel

Abstract

Recent advancements in the field of dosage form design have presented many promising opportunities in terms of novel drug delivery systems for the efficient and effective administration of drugs inside the body. Many researchers have explored the role of buccal mucosal route for the administration of drugs to avoid extensive hepatic metabolism due to oral administration of drugs. Among the options available in the form of oral mucosal drug delivery systems the fast dissolving oral films have caught the attention of many researchers due to various advantages in terms of drug administration to the systemic circulation directly. The fast dissolving oral films are formulated to get dissolved in the buccal cavity within 1 minute without using any water. Such drug delivery systems can be used for patients who are suffering from severe nausea and vomiting, comatose patients and people who are facing difficulties in swallowing conventional oral dosage forms like tablets and capsules. Since the drug is directly going into systemic circulation a quick onset of action and fairly high bioavailability is expected from fast dissolving oral films. These fast dissolving oral films are formulated by using variety of excipients such as highly hydrophilic polymers, film stabilizing agents, sweeteners, flavors, colors, saliva stimulating agents, preservatives, and surfactants. The hydrophilic polymers are important as they are responsible for achieving rapid disintegration, good mouth feel and mechanical strength. In this review article all aspects of fast dissolving oral films are discussed briefly.

Keywords: Fast dissolving, Oral films, Buccal cavity, Hydrophilic polymers, Plasticizers, Surfactants.