Table 2.
Standard ingredients for the formulation of fast dissolving oral films including the concentration, purpose of use and examples (Bhattarai and Gupta, 2016; Bala et al., 2013; Irfan et al., 2016; Karki et al., 2016).
| Ingredients | Concentration | Examples | Purpose of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug | 5–30% | Antiallergic, antidepressants, antiemetic | Active pharmaceutical agent |
| Hydrophilic polymer | 40–50% | Pectin, pullulan and polyvinyl alcohol | As film forming agents |
| Plasticizer | 0–20% | Citrate derivatives, glycerol, PEG | To increase the elasticity and to reduce fragility |
| Sweetener | 2–6% | Glucose, saccharin, stevioside | For a sweet taste and to enhance palatability |
| Salvia stimulating agent | 3–6% | Ascorbic acid, citric acid, lactic acid | To stimulate the salvia production |
| Surfactant | q.s. | Poloxamer 407, sodium lauryl sulfate, tween | For a rapid dissolution and hence to release the API |
| Flavors, colors, fillers | q.s. | Peppermint oil, FD&C colors, natural colors | To better the aesthetic character |
API: Active pharmaceutical components, FD&C: Food, drugs and cosmetics (certified color additives for the use in food, drugs and cosmetics), PEG: Polyethylene glycol.