Design, Optimization and In-vivo Characterization of Oral Fast Dissolving Films of Sertraline for Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Objectives: The main aim of the present study is to enhance solubility, oral bioavailability and minimize dose related side effects of Sertraline (STR) by using a novel approach. Methods: Different ratios of STR solid dispersions were prepared using PEG 4000 as a polymer. Evaluation studies were conducted to identify optimized formulation, and the selected optimized formulation was utilised for the preparation of oral fast dissolving films (OFDF). The OFDF formulations were fabricated using pullulan and PVA as a polymer by solvent casting method. Findings: Folding endurance, disintegration time, wetting time and in-vitro drug release studies were conducted to identify optimized formulation. It was found that OS3 showed optimum characteristics with sufficient disintegration time (42.16 sec), wetting time (20 sec) and high drug release of 94.42%. Novelty: It is evident that OFDF enhanced the oral bioavailability as well as therapeutic efficacy of an extensive first pass metabolic drug with poor water solubility. Keywords: Solvent casting method, Oral Bioavailability, Solubility, Folding Endurance, Therapeutic Efficacy