The invention provides disintegratable adhesive films containing a mixture of high molecular weight and low molecular weight water soluble components; and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active ingredient. Optionally, the films contain a starch component, a polysaccharide component, a filler, a plasticizer and/or humectant. The films are preferably in the form of an adhesive layer having a thickness sufficient to disintegrate, when exposed to a moist environment and/or a trigger compound, and release the active ingredient. The films can be cut to any desired size or shape to provide conveniently useable unit dosage forms for administration to wet or moist body surfaces for human, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or veterinary applications. The invention further provides various end uses and methods of administering the film compositions.