Orodispersible Films for Enhanced Bioavailability of Carvedilol

Research Article

Abstract

Orodispersible films (ODF) represent an innovative approach in drug delivery systems, offering solutions to enhance patient compliance and address challenges associated with traditional dosage forms. Particularly beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulties, ODFs can be easily ingested without the need for water, chewing, or swallowing. Carvedilol, characterized by low bioavailability due to hepatic first-pass metabolism, prompted the focus of this research on developing carvedilol ODFs to enhance its bioavailability. Employing the solvent casting method, carvedilol ODFs were formulated employing the film-forming polymer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Comprehensive evaluations were conducted, including assessments of physical attributes, weight variation, film thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, swelling properties, water permeation, tensile strength, disintegration, drug content, and in vitro dissolution studies. Optimization of the formulation was achieved through a systematic trial and error approach. The preparation involved dissolving HPMC (50/5 cps) in methanol, with the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and propylene glycol (PG) to attain a homogeneous mixture. After incorporating the drug and excipients, entrapped air was removed, and the solution was cast onto microscopic glass slides and dried at room temperature. The resulting film was divided into halves, each containing 10mg of the drug. Six formulations (F1 to F6) were developed using the solvent casting technique, with formulation F4 emerging as the optimal choice based on assessments of drug content and dissolution studies. This study shows the potential of carvedilol ODFs as a promising strategy to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy