Filmpåførsel

Filmpåførsel, meaning "film application" in Swedish, refers to the process of applying a film coating to a solid dosage form, typically a tablet or capsule. This technique is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the properties and performance of oral medications. The film coating can serve several purposes, including masking unpleasant tastes or odors, protecting the active ingredient from moisture, light, or air, and aiding in swallowing by creating a smoother surface.

The application process usually involves spraying a coating solution or suspension onto the tumbling dosage forms within a specialized coating pan or fluid-bed coater. As the solvent evaporates, a thin, uniform film forms around each individual unit. The composition of the film coating is crucial and typically includes polymers, plasticizers to ensure flexibility, colorants for identification and aesthetic appeal, and sometimes opacifiers. Different polymers can be selected to achieve specific release profiles, such as immediate release or delayed/enteric release, where the coating is designed to dissolve only in the specific pH environment of the intestines, protecting the stomach lining or preventing premature drug degradation.

The development and optimization of a film coating involve careful consideration of factors like coating material properties, spray rate, temperature, airflow, and tumbling speed to ensure consistent coating thickness, adhesion, and desired functionality. Filmpåførsel is a critical manufacturing step that significantly impacts drug stability, bioavailability, and patient compliance.