Abstract
Pediatric and geriatric patients experience swallowing difficulties for traditional oral dosage forms, such as tablets. Further, microbial contamination, chemical stability, unpleasant taste and swallowing large volumes of fluids have led to low therapeutic efficacy and patient noncompliance. The emergence of oral thin films has resulted in dramatic improvements in compliance and drug therapy outcomes in pediatric and geriatric patients. Oral thin films do not require water for administration, are readily hydrated upon contact with saliva, adhere to the mucosa and disintegrate ideally under 1 min. This article provides an overview of oral thin films, modern trends in their formulation and characterization, available commercial products, information to fill knowledge gaps and future potential and economic prospects of oral thin film technology, with emphasis on their use in the pediatric and geriatric patient groups.
Highlights
Paediatric and geriatric populations are the most vulnerable patient group in terms of drug delivery and usually require special attention
This article provides an overview of oral thin films, modern trends in their formulation and characterisation, available commercial products, information to fill knowledge gaps and future potential and economic prospects of oral thin film technology, with emphasis on their use in the paediatric and geriatric patient groups
Though there are many reviews related to various aspects of oral thin film technology, its potential applications in different patient groups and their characterization, they are discussed within the context of a broader range of other dosage forms such as multiparticulates, orodispersible tablets and fixed dose combinations [130]
Summary
Oral thin films are sheets of flat films that are administered into the oral cavity. They are composed of very thin polymeric strips, incorporating an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and are intended to disintegrate in the oral cavity within seconds [7,8,9]. 2.2 General attributes of fast dissolving oral thin films Being a cutting-edge form of solid oral dosage forms, oral thin films possess unique attributes which offer significant benefits over traditional or conventional dosage forms They are easier to administer and swallow without the need for water; ensure faster and better drug absorption into the bloodstream; combine the advantages of both solid and liquid oral dosage forms; they are more portable than syrups, capsules and tablets and less expensive freight wise. The emergence of fast dissolving dosage forms, especially oral thin films with taste-masking opportunities, have provided a more suitable and convenient dosing alternative for patients with swallowing challenges [17]
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