Effective formulation of glimepiride loaded oral thin films for rapid drug availability

Objective: Patient convenience and compliance-oriented research has resulted in bringing out safer and newer drug delivery systems. Recently, fast dissolving drug delivery systems have started gaining popularity and acceptance. Fast dissolving films (FDF) were initially introduced in the market as breath fresheners and personal care products such as dental care strips and soap strips, but now regarded as the most advanced form of oral route of drug Administration. Problems such as poor solubility and wettability of drugs has resolved to higher extent. This project was aimed to formulate Fast Dissolving Oral Thin films of Glimepiride GOTFs, glimepiride is a new oral sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetes mellitus. It is classified under class II according to biopharmaceutical classification system with low solubility and high permeability. Method: GOFTs were prepared by using solvent casting method and Hydroxy Methyl Propyl Cellulose (HPMC) as a polymer. Results: GOTFs 0.1mm in thickness were prepared which were appropriate in appearance as well as fulfilled all criterions of Oral Thin Films Formulations. The disintegration time for GOFTs was 3 seconds and oral films. The pH of films was 6.2, Tensile strength was 7 N/mm2 and percent elongation was 19%. Conclusion: From the results of this study it can be concluded that prepared optimized fast dissolving Oral Films of glimepiride are the better option to treat diabetes.