ORAL FILM DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR BETAHISTINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE: CURRENT PERSPECTIVES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The development of fast-dissolving oral thin films has recently followed the progression of dosage forms from straight forward ordinary tablets and capsules to modified release tablets and capsules, oral disintegrating tablets, and wafers. A hydrophilic polymer used in fast- dissolving oral thin films quickly hydrates or adheres when applied on the tongue or in buccal cavity. These films melt or disintegrate in a matter of seconds, releasing the active ingredient without need for drinking or chewing. A drug-containing thin film with surface area of 5 to 20 cm2 is called an oral dissolving film. The maximum single dose of the drugs that can be loaded is 30mg. As opposed to tablets, several pharmaceutical companies are now producing oral thin films that dissolve quickly. Films combine the benefits of liquid dosage forms with those of tablets, such as exact dose and simple administration (easy swallowing, rapid bioavailability. At the same time, it gives a general overview of crucial formulation design factors that have an impact on thin films, such as thin film design, anatomical and physiological constraints, choice of the best manufacturing processes, characterization techniques, and the physicochemical properties of drugs and polymers. Fast-dissolving or al thin films can be used for a variety of purposes, including sublingual and gastro-retentive delivery systems in addition to buccal fast-dissolving systems. Future uses might involve employing laminated multilayer films to combine incompatible active medicinal components into a single product.