Abstract

Dr. P. J. Prasuna Sundari*, Sheri Meghana

ABSTRACT

Fast-dissolving technology is rapidly evolving so as to facilitate quick onset of action, improve patient compliance, and therapeutic performance of wide variety of drugs. Designed to dissolve within seconds upon contact with saliva, oral fast dissolving films (OFDFs) enable enhanced bioavailability as the drug bypasses hepatic metabolism. These thin films are formulated by employing hydrophilic film-forming polymers viz., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, pullulan etc. Low-dose potent molecules such as antiemetics (ondansetron), analgesics (ketoprofen, diclofenac), antihistamines (loratadine), cardiovascular agents (metoprolol, amlodipine have been developed as OFDFs. The technology is particularly advantageous for geriatric, dysphagic, and psychiatric populations who face challenges when treated with conventional oral dosage forms. Recent advancements in solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, and nanotechnology-based approaches have further enhanced drug loading capacity, stability, and taste masking. Films are characterised for weight variation, disintegration time, in-vitro dissolution studies, uniformity of drug content, surface pH, folding endurance. Hence this technology is positioned significantly in modern pharmaceutical formulation science. The aim of the study is to formulate and evaluate fast dissolving films of Metoprolol tartrate by solvent casting technique using Pectin, Sodium CMC and Chitosan as polymers. M1-M9 preliminary formulations are prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for physico-chemical parameters. In-vitro drug release studies are conducted using dissolution type II USP apparatus using pH 6.8 phosphate buffer as dissolution medium. Rapid disintegration time was observed in M7 shows 55 sec and 98.76 % of drug was released within 8min.