FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FAST DISSOLVING ORAL FILM OF AN ANTIEMETIC DRUG APREPITANT
Udit Sahu, Mr. Neeraj Patidar, Dr. Umesh Kumar Jain
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to develop and characterize fast dissolving oral films (FDOFs) of the antiemetic drug Aprepitant to enhance its solubility and dissolution rate, thereby improving its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Aprepitant, a BCS Class II drug, was formulated into FDOFs using different polymer ratios. The films were evaluated for general appearance, thickness, weight, mechanical properties, disintegration time, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The optimized formulation (F7) exhibited excellent transparency, optimal thickness (51±5 µm), and appropriate weight (115±3 mg). It demonstrated the highest folding endurance (245±4 times), shortest disintegration time (36±4 seconds), and rapid drug release (99.65% cumulative release at 10 minutes). The drug release kinetics followed a first-order model (r² = 0.999), indicating a concentration-dependent release mechanism. The results confirm that FDOFs of Aprepitant can significantly enhance its solubility and dissolution rate, offering a promising alternative to conventional oral dosage forms for improved patient compliance and efficacy in managing nausea and vomiting.
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