To Develop and Evaluate Mucoadhesive Oral Film of Fluconazole for the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis

This work aimed to increase the solubility of the poorly water-soluble drug fluconazole (BCS class II) using PEG-6000. Solid dispersion was prepared using the solvent evaporation method using different ratios of fluconazole and polymer (PEG-6000). Hereafter, mucoadhesive oral films were prepared by the solvent casting method with different ratios of polymer (HPMC E-15). The prepared films were characterised using film thickness, surface pH, folding endurance, weight uniformity, swelling index, disintegration test, drug content, and in vitro release study. A solubility study evaluated the polymer's effect on fluconazole's aqueous solubility. The in vitro dissolution rate of fluconazole from solid dispersion (SD) was significantly higher compared to pure fluconazole. Results revealed that selected ingredients were compatible and quite capable of producing films with desired characteristics.