How Rapidfilm® Delivers APIs: A Look at GI Absorption and Patient Benefits

In the world of drug delivery, Rapidfilm®, AdhexPharma’s orodispersible film technology, is redefining how active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are administered and absorbed. Designed for convenience, precision, and speed, Rapidfilm® provides a seamless therapeutic experience for patients while ensuring optimal drug absorption. But how exactly does it work in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract? Let’s break it down.

How Rapidfilm® Delivers APIs: From Mouth to Systemic Circulation.

1. Rapid Dissolution in the Mouth.

When a Rapidfilm® is placed on the tongue, it begins to dissolve within seconds, releasing the API into the saliva. Unlike traditional tablets or capsules, no water or chewing is required. This makes Rapidfilm® ideal for patients with swallowing difficulties, such as children, the elderly, or those with dysphagia.

Examples of APIs commonly formulated in orodispersible films include:

• Ondansetron: For nausea and vomiting prevention, offering quick relief during chemotherapy or post-operative recovery.
• Zolmitriptan: For migraine attacks, where rapid onset is critical.
• Sildenafil: For erectile dysfunction, ensuring fast and discreet administration.

The dissolved API is then swallowed along with saliva and enters the GI tract, where the absorption process begins.

2. GI Transit and Absorption.

After ingestion, the API passes through the esophagus into the stomach and small intestine. The small intestine plays a pivotal role in absorption due to:

• Large Surface Area: The extensive villi and microvilli provide an enormous absorptive surface.
• Permeable Membranes: APIs cross these membranes into the bloodstream, influenced by factors like solubility and molecular size.

Rapidfilm® ensures APIs are released in a bioavailable form, ready for efficient absorption. 

3. Liver Metabolism and Systemic Circulation.

Once absorbed, the API enters the portal vein and travels to the liver, where it undergoes metabolism. This first-pass effect can influence drug bioavailability.

4. Therapeutic Action.

After metabolism, the API is distributed via systemic circulation to the target tissues, delivering its therapeutic effect. Rapidfilm® ensures consistent and precise dosing, critical for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows like some well-known APIs for CNS diseases.

The Benefits of Rapidfilm® Technology

1. Improved Patient Compliance.

Patients often struggle with swallowing pills or managing complex medication regimens. Rapidfilm® simplifies administration, requiring no water, chewing, or effort - just place it on the tongue, and the rest happens naturally.

2. Faster Onset of Action.

Most of the time, Rapidfilm® dissolves within seconds, significantly reducing the time it takes for APIs to begin acting compared to traditional oral dosage forms. Sometimes, the API still has to move through the small intestine. This is particularly beneficial for conditions requiring immediate relief, such as:

• Migraine attacks 
• Acute pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 

3. Precise and Consistent Dosing.

Each Rapidfilm® contains a carefully measured dose of the API, ensuring accuracy and minimizing the risk of under or overdosing. 

4. Enhanced Portability and Convenience.

Lightweight and discreet, Rapidfilm® fits effortlessly into patients’ lifestyles. Whether at home, work, or on the go, it offers a practical solution without compromising efficacy.

5. Versatility in API Compatibility.

Rapidfilm® accommodates a wide range of APIs, including those with:

• Poor solubility
• Unpleasant taste (masked using flavouring technologies)
• Sensitivity to traditional processing methods

Rapidfilm®: Advancing GI Absorption for Better Therapeutics

AdhexPharma’s Rapidfilm® technology not only simplifies medication administration but also ensures efficient and reliable GI absorption. By leveraging cutting-edge formulation techniques, Rapidfilm® maximizes the therapeutic potential of APIs while addressing patient-centric needs.

Whether it’s for improving the bioavailability of sensitive APIs, offering faster relief for acute conditions, or enhancing the patient experience, Rapidfilm® is setting new standards in drug delivery.

If you're looking to bring a breakthrough product to market or enhance the life cycle of an existing drug, AdhexPharma’s Rapidfilm® technology offers the expertise and innovation you need.