Polymer films

Oral route is still the preferred route of drug administration for majority of the population as it is non invasive and convenient but has some inherited flaws as certain patients like young children and geriatric patients have difficulty in swallowing. Recent trends are shifting toward design and development of a novel carrier system for existing drugs. Oral disintegrating films (ODF) play an eminent role, as it dissolves rapidly in the mouth and reaches directly into systemic circulation. Various methods have been used for formulating ODF, among which solvent casting is frequently used. The film consists of generally both hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers and other suitable excipients which either dissolves or disperses rapidly in the oral cavity and releases the active ingredient. The present review is mainly focused on the formulation approaches, their evaluation and therapeutic benefits of ODF.