ADVANCES IN FAST-DISSOLVING ORAL WAFERS FOR RAPID RELIEF IN MIGRAINE THERAPY
Amit Kumar, Vishvnath Pratap Gupta, Gopesh Gunjan, Bhupendra Tiwari
ABSTRACT
Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Conventional oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules frequently present limitations in the management of acute migraine attacks, particularly due to delayed onset of action and swallowing difficulties during episodes of nausea and vomiting. In recent years, fast-dissolving oral wafers (FDOWs) have emerged as an innovative and patient-friendly drug delivery platform designed to provide rapid therapeutic onset and enhanced bioavailability through oromucosal absorption. Fast-dissolving oral wafers are ultra-thin polymeric films that disintegrate within seconds upon contact with saliva, releasing the drug for local or systemic absorption without the need for water. These systems combine hydrophilic polymers, plasticizers, saliva stimulants, and taste-masking agents to ensure mechanical strength, rapid dissolution, and acceptable organoleptic properties. The technology is particularly advantageous for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients, and for drugs undergoing extensive first-pass metabolism. This review highlights the pathophysiology of migraine, the need for rapid drug delivery, and the formulation aspects of fast-dissolving wafers including polymer selection, excipient functionality, manufacturing methodologies such as solvent casting, hot-melt extrusion, and freeze-drying, as well as evaluation parameters like disintegration time, folding endurance, and stability studies. Additionally, it explores the therapeutic potential of oral wafer systems in migraine therapy, emphasizing their rapid onset of action, improved patient compliance, and market growth prospects. In conclusion, fast-dissolving oral wafers represent a promising and evolving drug delivery approach for the acute treatment of migraine, offering rapid relief, convenience, and enhanced patient adherence compared to conventional oral dosage forms.
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