Orodispersible films (ODF) in individualized therapy

Abstract

Orodispersible films (ODF) in individualized therapy • One of the mains factors affecting the effectiveness and safety of the therapy is the development of an appropriate dosage form adapted to the age of the patients and ease to administer as well as a dosing devices that provide flexible dosing. This approach is in accordance with the idea of patientcentered treatment. Given advantages such as safety, easy swallowing and flexible dose adjustment, special attention is paid to oral dosage forms such as orally disintegrating tablets, minitablets and orodispersible films (ODF). The ODF films are indicated as a suitable dosage form for pediatric, geriatric and uncooperative patients due to their fast disintegration in the mouth without need for water to facilitate swallowing, adhesion to the oral cavity to prevent spitting out the medicine and the ability to adjust the dose of the drug for an individual patient. According to many studies, orodispersible films are well accepted by infants and preschool children, their caregivers (nurses) and parents. They have the form of a postage stamp sized strip of thin polymeric film applied on the tongue. The ODF films can be manufactured using various methods, i.e. casting method, hot melt extrusion, electrospinning or printing (inkjet, flexographic and 3D printing) on an industrial scale and potentially in hospital pharmacies. Extemporaneous preparation of the ODF films create more dose flexibility affecting patient's adherence to pharmacotherapy. Innovative solutions in this area concern also designed specifically devices for storage and dosing of ODF, as well as methods of labeling and identification of single doses, for example Quick Response (QR) codes. The paper presents a review of the literature from recent years regarding new technology in the terms of the ODF films preparation, including manufacturing methods and modification of the drug release, as well as the possibilities of their application in individualization of the therapy especially in pediatric and geriatric population.