Oral Thin Film: Innovations in drug Delivery systems

Abstract

Oral thin films (OTFs) have emerged as an advanced and patient-friendly drug delivery system designed to provide rapid onset of action, improved bioavailability, and enhanced compliance, especially among pediatric and geriatric populations. This review focuses on the formulation and evaluation of oral thin films containing Famotidine and Domperidone—two drugs commonly used in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and associated nausea or vomiting. Famotidine, a histamine H₂-receptor antagonist, and Domperidone, a peripheral dopamine receptor antagonist with prokinetic activity, when co-formulated in an oral thin film, offer a synergistic therapeutic effect for gastric acid suppression and motility regulation. The review highlights various formulation strategies including solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, and electrospinning methods, with emphasis on polymer selection (HPMC, PVA, Pullulan) and the role of plasticizers, saliva-stimulating agents, and flavoring agents in achieving desirable film characteristics. Evaluation parameters such as film thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, disintegration time, drug content uniformity, and in vitro dissolution are discussed in detail. The combination OTF of Famotidine and Domperidone provides a rapid-dissolving dosage form that bypasses first-pass metabolism, ensures quick therapeutic onset, and enhances patient adherence compared to conventional oral formulations.

Keywords: Oral thin film (OTF); Famotidine; Domperidone; Fast dissolving films; Gastroesophageal reflux disease.