Formulation and Evaluation of Captopril Loaded Mouth Dissolving Films for Rapid Antihypertensive Action

Mouth-dissolving films (MDFs) are an innovative drug delivery system designed to disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity without water, offering a convenient alternative to traditional oral dosage forms. They enhance bioavailability by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism, making them ideal for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. MDFs provide quick drug action, ease of administration, and cost-effective production, with applications across various therapeutic areas. This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a captopril-based MDFs, which demonstrated rapid disintegration, robust mechanical properties, and efficient drug release. The results confirm its suitability for populations with swallowing difficulties, supporting improved compliance and therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate captopril-loaded mouth dissolving films (MDFs) for rapid antihypertensive action. Films were prepared using the solvent casting method with HPMC as the film-forming polymer and PEG-400 as the plasticizer. The formulations were assessed for physical characteristics, disintegration time, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The optimized film showed rapid disintegration (under 30 seconds) and over 90% drug release within 5 minutes, indicating its potential for fast onset of action. The results suggest that captopril MDFs are a promising approach for immediate blood pressure control with improved patient compliance.