Novel Mouth Dissolving Film Formulations for Improved Antiepileptic Therapy: A Review

AbstractEpilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures and represents asignificant global health burden. Although several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are available forseizure management, conventional dosage forms such as tablets and capsules may be associatedwith swallowing difficulties, delayed disintegration, variable gastrointestinal absorption, andpoor patient compliance. These limitations are particularly relevant in pediatric, geriatric,dysphagic, and emergency-care patients, where convenient and rapid drug administration isdesirable. Mouth Dissolving Films (MDFs) have emerged as an innovative and patient-friendlydrug delivery system with considerable potential for improving antiepileptic therapy. MDFs arethin, flexible polymeric films that rapidly hydrate, disintegrate, and dissolve in the oral cavityupon contact with saliva, generally without requiring water.This review critically discusses thepotential of novel MDF formulations for antiepileptic drug delivery, focusing on formulationstrategies, selection of polymers and excipients, manufacturing techniques, drug-releasecharacteristics, and critical evaluation parameters. The advantages of MDFs over conventionaloral dosage forms, including ease of administration, rapid disintegration, portability, improvedpatient acceptability, accurate dosing, and potential enhancement of drug availability, arehighlighted. The review also examines formulation challenges such as limited drug-loadingcapacity, taste masking, moisture sensitivity, mechanical strength, stability, and dose uniformity.Emerging formulation approaches aimed at improving dissolution, permeation, stability, andtherapeutic performance are also discussed. Overall, MDF technology represents a promisingpatient-centric approach for improving the convenience, acceptability, adherence, andtherapeutic effectiveness of antiepileptic treatment. Further research and clinical evaluation arewarranted to establish the potential of MDFs as advanced drug delivery systems for epilepsymanagement.