Preparation and characterization of fast-release oral film formulation containing ondansetron hydrochloride solid dispersion

Ondansetron has been widely applied as an antiemetic drug in the treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting caused by emetic cancer chemotherapy . Fast-release films have the advantages of rapid drug release and improved patients’compliance, especially for the disabled bedridden, the elderly or pediatric patients.The basic film-forming materials were studied through single factor tests and the crystal inhibitors were optimized using solid dispersion technique. The ratio of drug and polymers were optimized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) which revealed there was no presence of crystal in the optimized solid dispersion. The final film was white thin films and was smooth in surface without obvious bubbles or cracks. Mean weight of each film was 40~50mg. Mean thichness was 60~70μm. Surface pH was 6.4~6.6. The films could release 85% of drug with 1.5min in 0.1mol/L HCl and within 30min in pH6.8PBS. Pharmacolinetic experiment of Ondansetron Hydrochloric solution, marketed films Zuplenz® and the preparation were carried out in rats. As a result, the films of Ondansetron Hydrochloric containing ondansetron solid dispersion had the advantages of fast drug release, improved patient compliance, higher bioavalibility compared to oral solution and the marketed films.