FAST DISSOLVING SUBLINGUAL FILMS: AN EMERGING AND PROMISING APPROACH FOR RAPID ORAL DRUG DELIVERY

Fast dissolving sublingual films are thin, flexible polymeric strips placed beneath the tongue, where they rapidly disintegrate or dissolve in saliva without the need for water. This dosage form enables rapid drug release and absorption through the highly vascularized sublingual mucosa, resulting in a quick onset of action and improved bioavailability by partially bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism. These films are particularly beneficial for paediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients due to their ease of administration and improved patient compliance. The formulation typically comprises a film-forming polymer, plasticizer, and other excipients to ensure rapid disintegration, uniform drug distribution, and adequate mechanical strength. This review discusses fast dissolving sublingual film drug delivery systems with emphasis on formulation aspects, advantages, mechanisms of absorption, and preparation technologies.