Orally Dispersible Dosage Forms for Paediatric Use: Current Knowledge and Development of Nanostructure-Based Formulations

Abstract

The paediatric population has always suffered from a lack of medicines tailored to their needs, especially in terms of accurate dosage, stability and acceptability. Orodispersible dosage forms have gone through a resurrection as an alternative to liquid formulations or fractioned solid formulations, although they are still subject to several inconveniences, among which the unpleasant taste and the low oral bioavailability of the API are the most significant hurdles in the way of achieving an optimal drug product. Nanostructures can address these inconveniences through their size and variety, owing to the plethora of materials that can be used in their manufacturing. Through the formation and functionalisation of nanostructures, followed by their inclusion in orodispersible dosage forms, safe, stable and acceptable medicines intended for paediatric use can be developed.

Sugar content and erosive potential of commonly prescribed Orodispersible tablets- An in vitro study.

“…31 Many excipients are used in the formulation of ODTs to ensure a good taste profile because they have a longer oral residence than other dose forms. 32 The overall mean pH for the total sample of ODTs was found to be 6.11 AE 0.88, which was less than that reported by Maguire et al and Arora et al (8.09 and 7.49, respectively). 33,34 We found that the pH was lowest in antimicrobials which were similar to Maguire et al and Arora et al (4.29, 5.7).…”

“…4 Because of anticipated stability problems with liquid media, like degradation and microbiological contamination, this formulation is not appropriate for all pharmacologically active ingredients. 4 Patient-friendly dose forms such as Orodispersible tablets (ODT) were developed to overcome this. 4 ODT are "uncoated tablets that rapidly disintegrate in the oral cavity before being swallowed, turning into a solution or a suspension using the existing saliva and rarely requiring the use of external liquids such as water."…”

“…4 Patient-friendly dose forms such as Orodispersible tablets (ODT) were developed to overcome this. 4 ODT are "uncoated tablets that rapidly disintegrate in the oral cavity before being swallowed, turning into a solution or a suspension using the existing saliva and rarely requiring the use of external liquids such as water." 4 Carbohydrates and polyols have been used in ODT formulations because they are highly soluble in water and have taste-improving properties.…”

“…4 ODT are "uncoated tablets that rapidly disintegrate in the oral cavity before being swallowed, turning into a solution or a suspension using the existing saliva and rarely requiring the use of external liquids such as water." 4 Carbohydrates and polyols have been used in ODT formulations because they are highly soluble in water and have taste-improving properties. Polysaccharides and/or their corresponding alcohols are thus included in several excipient combinations developed for production.…”

“…The ODT formulations rely on sugars and sugar alcohols. 4 People of all ages are affected by tooth wear. Dietary erosion is one such factor of tooth wear which is evident in those who consume acidic fruit juices and carbonated soft beverages as well as in patients on specific acidic oral drugs.…”