Recent Updates on Orally Disintegrating Films Regarding Design, Characterization, and Assessment

Orally disintegrating films (ODFs) are a pharmaceutical dosage form that liquefies or disintegrates rapidly in the mouth without water, creating an attractive option for patients with difficulty swallowing. ODFs offer several advantages, including convenience, a faster onset of action, and enhanced patient compliance.The formulation of ODFs involves selecting suitable film-forming polymers, plasticizers, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and other excipients. Factors such as taste-masking, stability, and disintegration time are critical considerations in formulating ODFs. Characterization of Orally Disintegrating Films Characterization techniques such as thickness measurement, tensile strength testing, disintegration time determination, and surface morphology analysis are essential for assessing the physical properties of ODFs. These characteristics impact the performance and quality of the dosage form. The evaluation of ODFs involves testing parameters like drug content uniformity, dissolution profile, mechanical properties, and stability. These tests ensure that ODFs meet regulatory requirements and provide consistent drug delivery. The design, characterization, and assessment of ODFs are crucial in ensuring their effectiveness and quality. This review thoroughly examines the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of orally disintegrating films, providing a comprehensive overview of their development and use in pharmaceutical applications.