Abstract

MELT-IN-MOUTH SUBLINGUAL FILMS: THE FUTURE OF ORAL PHARMACOTHERAPY

Rumita Kumawat* and Dr. Meenakshi Bharkatiya

ABSTRACT

Sublingual films (SLFs) represent the most sophisticated oral solid dosage forms due to their versatility and ease of use. These films dissolve and disintegrate rapidly when placed in the mouth, without the need for water or chewing. By bypassing first-pass metabolism, SLFs enhance drug bioavailability, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, sublingual films offer several advantages, including lower dosage requirements, faster onset of action, and a reduced risk of choking. The formulation process primarily involves solvent casting and semisolid casting methods, with solvent casting being the preferred technique. This preference stems from its ability to produce films with superior physical properties, a glossy appearance, and uniform thickness. The evaluation of sublingual films considers various factors such as thickness, disintegration time, folding endurance, and dissolution rate. This review explores the formulation techniques and evaluation criteria essential for the development of effective sublingual film-based drug delivery systems.

Keywords: Sublingual Film, Oral strips, Fast dissolving oral film.