Formulation and Evaluation of Fast-Dissolving Film of Cetirizine and Dextromethorphan

Abstract

Fast dissolving dosage forms are gaining popularity in recent time, as this dosage forms requires no water for administration. Cetirizine is widely used in allergic induced asthma and Dextromethorphan is used in sore throat condition. Combination of both the drugs will have more potent effect compared to single drug. The objective of the study was to design and optimize fast dissolving film by casting method using HPMC E5 LV, polyethylene glycol 400, aspartame- neotam-tartaric acid- citric acid- menthol- ion exchange resins for taste masking of cetirizine and dextromethorphan. Films were formulated using plasticizers and also citric acid and tartaric acid as saliva stimulating agent along with, menthol as flavoring agent. Aspartame and Neotame were used as sweeteners and Kyron T111 as ion exchange resin to mask bitterness of drugs. Fast dissolving films contain more than 95% of drugs as per percent drug content study. Formulated film showed mouth dissolving time 17 seconds with more than 96% of drugs release occurs within 30 min. Films were prepared by solvent casting method without any organic solvent and found to satisfy the mouth dissolving time and other film parameters. Our results show that all the four formulated films showed satisfactory film parameters. It can be concluded that, fast dissolving film containing Cetirizine and Dextromethorphan can be casted by solvent casting method without any organic solvents.