Design, Characterization and In-vitro Evaluation of Favipiravir Orodispersible Films

Introduction: Orodispersible films (ODF) is a thin strip that is mostly transparent, biodegradable and it has hydrophilic polymers that disintegrate and dissolves immediately when getting in contact with saliva. Different disintegrants play a crucial role in film properties such as organoleptic properties, film thickness, and in particular disintegration time of the film. The main reason for the development of oral films is for their prominent role in increased patient compliance among pediatrics and geriatrics by disintegrating faster, releasing the drug rapidly, without the need for water, and mostly decreasing the risk of choking.

Aim: To formulate orodispersible films of favipiravir and to study the effect of different superdisintegrants on various film properties.

Methods: The method used to prepare the film is the solvent casting method. In this method, the solution is prepared using polymer, drug, and superdisintegrants. This solution is casted on a film-forming apparatus using a spreader an instrument to obtain a thin film.

Results: The prepared oral films weights ranging from 148mg to 237mg based on the superdisintegrant concentration. The pH of the prepared films didn’t vary significantly and percent moisture absorption doesn’t have significant variation. However, the texture varied from smooth to rough and transparent to translucent. Disintegration time is varying from 28 to 42 seconds. The optimum batch formulation gave 98% of drug release.