Many pharmaceutical companies switch their products from tablets to oral thin films (OTFs) that dissolve easily. Films have all the advantages of tablets (precise dose, simple administration) and those of liquid dosage types (easy swallowing, rapid bioavailability). Statistics have shown that four out of five patients prefer orally disintegrating dosage forms to traditional strong oral dosages forms. There is trouble swallowing or chewing solid drug formulations in pediatric, geriatric, bedridden, emetic patients and those with Central Nervous System disorders. Many of these patients are non-compliant in administering solid dosage forms due to fear of choking. OTFs are immediately wet with saliva when put on the tip or the floor of the tongue. As a consequence, OTFs hydrate quickly and then disintegrate and/or dissolve to release the local and/or systemic absorption drug. This technology offers a good forum for the production of patent-free products and for the extension of the patent life cycle of existing products. Not only is the use of quick dissolving oral thin films restricted to the oral rapid dissolving system, but it also applies to other applications such as gastroretentive sublingual delivery systems. This review highlights the special features, component, classification and techniques used in preparation of fast dissolving films.
Keywords: Fast Dissolving Films, Oral Cavity, Solvent Casting Hot Melt Extrusion, Solid Dispersion Extrusion.
