A COMPARATIVE PHARMACEUTICAL STUDY ON FUROSEMIDE ORAL DISPERSIBLE FILMS PREPARED WITH NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC SUPERDISINTEGRANTS

Abstract

Oral dispersible films (ODFs) have emerged as an innovative and patient-friendly drug delivery system, particularly beneficial for pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. Furosemide, a loop diuretic with poor water solubility and variable bioavailability, can benefit from such a formulation for enhanced onset of action. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate furosemide-loaded oral dispersible films using both natural and synthetic superdisintegrants, with a focus on comparative performance. Films were prepared by solvent casting method, incorporating natural superdisintegrants such as plant-derived mucilage and synthetic counterparts like croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical parameters including thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, drug content uniformity, disintegration time, in vitro drug release, and stability. Results indicated that both natural and synthetic superdisintegrants improved film disintegration and dissolution characteristics compared to control formulations. However, synthetic superdisintegrants provided a faster disintegration time and higher cumulative drug release, whereas natural agents exhibited favorable biocompatibility and film-forming properties. The comparative findings suggest that natural superdisintegrants hold promise as safe and cost-effective alternatives, though synthetic ones offer superior performance in rapid drug release.