Effect of Natural/ Synthetic Polymers and Super Disintegrants on the Formulation of Zafirlukast Fast Dissolving Film

Fast-dissolving films are one of the interested delivery systems for oral solid dosage forms to overcome swallowing difficulty for geriatric and pediatric patients. Zafirlukast (ZLK) is one of the most commonly used oral medication for treatment of asthmatic patients particularly mild to moderate cases. Oral fast dissolving films of ZLK were prepared using two different filming forming polymers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC). Different concentrations of the 2 polymers were used to prepare 10 formulas. Other excipients were also added at various ratios to produce 10 different formulations. These were maltodextrin, crosspivodone, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and banana powder. In vitro characterization of the formulations showed that HPMC-based formulations had significantly shorter disintegrating times (p < 0.05) and improved dissolution rates. Addition of crosspovidone, PVP, and maltodextrin as disintegrants to the film forming polymers did not significantly enhance the disintegration of the films. However, banana powder significantly elongated the film disintegration. Compatibility studies using FTIR did not show an interaction between ZLK and excipients in all formulations.