Development and Characterization of Venlafaxine Orodispersible Films Incorporating Natural-Synthetic Polymer Blends for Improved Patient Compliance

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop and characterize Venlafaxine (VLF) HCl-loaded orodispersible films incorporating natural–synthetic polymer blends for improved patient compliance. Pullulan was selected as the natural film-forming polymer and HPMC E5 as the supporting semi-synthetic polymer. Glycerol, sucralose and peppermint flavour were used as plasticizer, sweetener and taste-masking aid, respectively. Seven formulations, VF1 to VF7, were prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for appearance, thickness, weight variation, folding endurance, surface pH, moisture content, disintegration time, drug content, content uniformity, in vitro drug release, release kinetics and stability. VLF HCl showed good aqueous solubility and linear UV response at 225 nm. All films were smooth, flexible and rapidly disintegrating. Drug content ranged from 96.84 ± 1.18% to 99.18 ± 0.98%. VF5 was selected as optimized formulation due to balanced mechanical strength, rapid disintegration and 95.42 ± 3.92% drug release within 30 min. Stability study confirmed acceptable formulation stability. Thus, the developed ODF may support convenient oral administration of VLF.