Formulation and Evaluation of a Vitamin B12 Oral Dispersible Film Using Polymers for Enhanced Patient Compliance in Neuropathy– A Review

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological disorder often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Conventional oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules present challenges including swallowing difficulty, poor compliance, and delayed onset of action, particularly in elderly and neuropathic patients. Oral dispersible films (ODFs) have emerged as a promising drug delivery system due to their rapid disintegration, ease of administration, and improved bioavailability. This review focuses on the formulation strategies, polymer selection, evaluation parameters, and therapeutic advantages of vitamin B12 oral dispersible films. Emphasis is placed on enhancing patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy in neuropathy management through innovative film-based drug delivery systems. Peripheral neuropathy is a prevalent neurological disorder often associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to nerve damage and impaired neurological function. Conventional oral dosage forms of vitamin B12, such as tablets and capsules, are associated with limitations including swallowing difficulty, delayed onset of action, and poor patient compliance, particularly among geriatric and neuropathic patients. Oral dispersible films (ODFs) have emerged as a novel and patient-friendly drug delivery system that rapidly disintegrates in the oral cavity without the need for water, ensuring ease of administration and improved adherence. This review highlights the formulation strategies and evaluation parameters involved in the development of vitamin B12 oral dispersible films using various film-forming polymers. Key aspects discussed include polymer selection, plasticizers, manufacturing techniques, and physicochemical and performance evaluation of the films. The potential of oral dispersible films to enhance bioavailability, provide rapid therapeutic action, and improve patient compliance in the management of neuropathy is emphasized. The review concludes that vitamin B12 oral dispersible films represent a promising alternative to conventional dosage forms for effective neuropathy treatment.