Rapid-Dissolving Edible Film of Dimenhydrinate: Effect of Gelatine Concentration on Performance

Background: Motion sickness is commonly associated with nausea and vomiting during travel. Dimenhydrinate, an ethanolamine-derived antihistamine, is widely used as an antiemetic; however, conventional oral dosage forms may present swallowing difficulties. Edible films offer a rapidly dissolving alternative that may improve patient convenience and onset of action. Objective: This study aimed to formulate and optimize dimenhydrinate-loaded edible films using type B gelatine as a film-forming polymer and to evaluate their physicochemical and dissolution characteristics. Methods: Five formulations containing type B gelatine at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% (w/v) were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. Liquid film solutions were characterized for specific gravity, pH, and viscosity. The resulting films were evaluated for organoleptic properties, weight uniformity, thickness, disintegration time, moisture loss, content uniformity, and in vitro dissolution performance. Results: The formulation containing 12.5% gelatine demonstrated optimal handling and structural integrity, with an average thickness of 110 µm and a disintegration time of 97 s. Weight variation remained within ±10% of the mean, while content uniformity ranged from 91.11% to 99.89% (RSD 2.94%), complying with pharmacopeial limits. Rapid drug release was observed, with more than 85% of dimenhydrinate dissolved within 5 minutes. Conclusion: Type B gelatine-based edible films provide a viable platform for dimenhydrinate delivery, exhibiting acceptable uniformity and rapid dissolution performance. Further optimization of disintegration time and mechanical properties may enhance suitability for orodispersible applications.