Method and apparatus for minimizing heat, moisture, and shear damage to medicants and other compositions during incorporation of same with edible films

Abstract

A medicant composition is provided. The composition includes a film layer and a powder matrix layer. The powder matrix layer includes a medicant. The powder matrix layer is applied to the film layer by admixing particulate to form a powder matrix and by then applying the powder matrix to the film layer by any desired method. The composition of the powder matrix is varied to alter the dissolution rate of the medicant, the adhesion of the medicant composition, and other physical properties of the powder matrix. The powder matrix layer can be cured.

Having described our invention in such terms as to enable those of skill in the art to make and practice it, and having described the presently preferred embodiments thereof, we claim:  
     
         1 . A thin film composition comprising 
 (a) a film layer including a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface; and,    (b) a coating on at least one of said outer surfaces of said film layer comprising at least one composition selected from the group consisting of oils, herbs, and tree and plant components and extracts.    
     
     
         2 . A method of treating a patient that has a cough, comprising the steps of 
 (a) preparing at least one dissolvable film layer including a film forming composition and free of oils, herbs, tree and plant components and extracts, and medicants; and,    (b) administering said film layer in the mouth of the patient to dissolve at least a portion of said film layer.