Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Dissolving Films of Taste-Masked Ondansetron Hydrochloride

Abstract

Fast dissolving oral films (FDFs) offer a patient‑friendly alternative to conventional oral dosage forms, particularly for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. In the present work, fast dissolving films of Ondansetron hydrochloride were developed using a solvent casting technique. Taste masking was achieved by preparing Ondansetron HCl–β‑cyclodextrin inclusion complexes using microwave irradiation. Film‑forming polymers such as gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were employed along with crospovidone and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as superdisintegrants. Prepared films were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in‑vitro disintegration, drug content uniformity, dissolution behavior, and stability. The optimized formulation exhibited rapid disintegration (≈7–10 s), high drug release (>99% within 30 min), and satisfactory stability, demonstrating the potential of crospovidone‑based films for rapid oral delivery of Ondansetron HCl.