Abstract

FAST DISSOLVING ORAL FILMS FOR IMMEDIATE DRUG RELEASE: A REVIEW

Dr. Anna Balaji, Kranthi Kumar Poladi*, Achuth Reddy Vookanti

Abstract

Fast dissolving oral films are the most advanced form of oral solid dosage forms due to more flexibility and comfort. It improves the efficacy of APIs by dissolving within minute in oral cavity with saliva without chewing and water for administration. It gives quick absorption and instant bioavailability of drugs due to high blood flow and permeability of oral mucosa which is 4-1000 times greater than that of skin. Fast dissolving oral films are useful for all types of health conditions. The FDOFs plays as an alternative over conventional tablets or capsules. Fast dissolving film combines all the advantages of tablets with those of liquid dosage forms. It has reduced hepatic first pass effect, minimal side effects, dose accuracy and site specific action. The disadvantage of OTF is that high dose of drug cannot be incorporated into strip. FDOFs can be prepared using drug 5-20% w/w, water soluble polymer 45%w/w, plasticizers 0-20%, sweetening agents 3-6%, saliva stimulating agents 2-6%, surfactants, fillers, colours and flavours. The manufacturing methods for oral films are solvent casting, semisolid casting, hot melt extrusion, solid dispersion extrusion and rolling. The oral films can be evaluated by using tack test, tensile strength, tear resistance, swelling index, contact angle measurement, disintegration time and dissolution test. The fast dissolving oral films are most acceptable and accurate oral dosage form which bypass the hepatic system and show more therapeutic response. Oral films can replace the over the counter drugs (OTC).

Keywords: Fast dissolving oral films, Solvent casting, OTF, Extrusion.