Fast dissolving oral films technology: A recent trend for an innovative oral drug delivery system

Over the past few decades, there has been increased interest for innovative drug delivery system to improve the safety, efficacy and patient compliance, thereby increasing the product patent life cycle. In  the  recent  years,  many of  the  pharmaceutical  groups  are  focusing  their  research  on  rapid dissolving  technology. Fast dissolving oral films are the most advanced form of oral solid dosage form due to more flexibility and comfort. It improve the efficacy of APIs by dissolving within minute in oral cavity after the contact with less saliva as compared to fast dissolving tablets, without chewing and no need of water for administration. These films have a potential to deliver the drug systemically through intra-gastric, sublingual or buccal route of administration and also has been used for local action. This type of technology offer a convenient way of dosing medication, not to special population groups like pediatric, geriatric, bedridden patients, mentally ill patients, but also to the general population. Fast dissolving oral films are found to be satisfactory in many situations like allergic conditions, cold and cough, sore throat, nausea, pain, mouth ulcers, CNS disorders and CVS disorders. Oral film includes various ingredients for its formulation which includes polymers, active pharmaceutical ingredient, film stabilizing agents, plasticizers, sweeteners, flavours, colors, saliva stimulating agents, surfactants etc. The present review reflects  information regarding  formulation  ingredients,  technologies  and  evaluation  tests  employed  in  the  preparation  of  fast dissolving oral films. However, for future growth point of view the fast dissolving oral films sector is well-positioned. It seems that the value of the overall oral thin films market will grow significantly.