Orodispersible drug formulations for children and elderly

Various orodispersible drug formulations have been recently introduced into the market. Oral lyophilisates and orodispersible granules, tablets or films have enriched the therapeutic options. In particular, the paediatric and geriatric population may profit from the advantages like convenient administration, lack of swallowing, ease of use. Until now, only a few novel products made it to the market as the development and production usually is more expensive than for conventional oral drug dosage forms like tablets or capsules. The review reports the recent advances, existing and upcoming products, and the significance of formulating patient-friendly oral dosage forms. The preparation of the medicines can be performed both in pharmaceutical industry and in community pharmacies. Recent advances, e.g. drug printing technologies, may facilitate this process for community or hospital pharmacies. Still, regulatory guidelines and pharmacopoeial monographs lack appropriate methods, specifications and global harmonization to foster the development of innovative orodispersible drug dosage forms.