Overcoming Poor Solubility of Dimenhydrinate: Development, Optimization and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Oral Film

Purpose: To develop fast dissolving oral film to address vomiting and nausea in pediatric population. Methods: Oral films of Dimenhydrinate were prepared by solvent casting method by using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose E5 (HPMC E5), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and croscarmellose sodium. Solubility of dimenhydrinate was enhanced by ethanol as a co-solvent. To make dimenhydrinate palatable sodium saccharin and peppermint oil were used. All films were evaluated for mechanical parameters, surface pH, morphology, disintegration time and percent dissolution. Results: Films were smooth, acceptable and white in colour. For optimized batch, drug content (99.106%), disintegration time (25 sec), dissolution (99.10% in 210 sec), surface pH (6.81) were acceptable. Conclusion: Optimized batch, due to its potential to deliver through fast dissolving film, can be developed for clinical use.