FAST DISSOLVING TABLET: THE NEW ERA

Abstract

Oral drug delivery remains the preferred route for administration of various drugs. Recent developments in the technology have prompted scientists to develop fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) with improved patient compliance and convenience. This tablet format is designed to allow administration of an oral solid dose form in the absence of water or fluid intake. Such tablets readily dissolve or disintegrate in the saliva generally within 60 seconds. Fast- or mouth dissolving tablets have been formulated for pediatric, geriatric, and bedridden patients and for active patients who are busy and traveling and may not have access to water. Such formulations provide an opportunity for product line extension in the Many elderly persons will have difficulties in taking conventional oral dosage forms (viz., solutions, suspensions, tablets, and capsules) because of hand tremors and dysphagia. Swallowing problems also are common in young individuals because of their underdeveloped muscular and nervous systems. FDTs are solid unit dosage forms, which disintegrate or dissolve rapidly in the mouth without chewing and water. Orally disintegrating tablets provide an advantage particularly for pediatric and geriatric populations who have difficulty in swallowing conventional tablets and capsules. This review describes the various formulation aspects, disintegrants employed and technologies developed for FDTs, along with various excipients, evaluation tests, marketed formulations, and drugs explored in this field.