Breaking Down Tablets: A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Solid Dosage Forms

Contributing Author:   Gopi Krishna Kaja Submitted Date: 01 Apr 2010

Solid dosage forms, particularly tablets, are one of the most common and convenient ways to administer medications and supplements. Tablets are solid, flat or biconvex, dosage forms that are typically made by compressing or molding a mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients. They come in various types, each designed to serve specific purposes. Here are some common types of tablets:

1. Immediate-Release Tablets:

   • These tablets deliver the entire dose of the active ingredient into the bloodstream quickly after ingestion.
   • Suitable for medications that require rapid onset of action.
   • Examples include over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen.

2. Extended-Release (ER) or Controlled-Release (CR) Tablets:

   • These tablets release the active ingredient gradually over an extended period, often providing prolonged therapeutic effects.
   • Reduces the need for frequent dosing and helps maintain steady drug levels in the bloodstream.
   • Examples include OxyContin (oxycodone ER) and Glucophage XR (metformin ER).

3. Enteric-Coated Tablets:

   • These tablets have a special coating that resists dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach.
   • The coating dissolves in the alkaline environment of the small intestine, releasing the medication.
   • Used for drugs that can cause stomach irritation or require targeted delivery to the intestines.

4. Effervescent Tablets:

   • These tablets contain a combination of active ingredients and effervescent agents (e.g., citric acid and sodium bicarbonate).
   • When placed in water, they produce effervescence, forming a fizzy solution that can be easily consumed.
   • Commonly used for antacids and vitamin supplements.

5. Chewable Tablets:

   • Designed to be chewed before swallowing, making them more palatable for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets or capsules.
   • Commonly used for children's medications and some vitamins.

6. Buccal and Sublingual Tablets:

   • Buccal tablets are designed to be placed between the cheek and gum for slow absorption through the oral mucosa.
   • Sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
   • Used for medications requiring quick absorption or bypassing the digestive system, such as nitroglycerin.

7. Dispersible or Orodispersible Tablets:

   • These tablets disintegrate rapidly in the mouth, usually within seconds, without the need for chewing or water.
   • Ideal for patients with difficulty swallowing.
   • Common in pediatrics and geriatrics.

8. Film-Coated Tablets:

   • These tablets have a thin, outer layer of coating that serves various purposes, including masking the taste, improving stability, or enhancing appearance.
   • Often used for branded medications.

9. Scored Tablets:

   • These tablets have a line or groove that allows them to be easily split into halves or quarters.
   • Useful for dose adjustment when required.

10. Sustained-Release Tablets:

    • Similar to extended-release tablets, these tablets provide a prolonged release of the drug but may have a different release mechanism.
    • Designed for medications that require steady, controlled release over time.

11. Effervescent Tablets:

    • These tablets contain a combination of active ingredients and effervescent agents (e.g., citric acid and sodium bicarbonate).
    • When placed in water, they produce effervescence, forming a fizzy solution that can be easily consumed.
    • Commonly used for antacids and vitamin supplements.

Tablets are a versatile and widely used solid dosage form, providing accurate dosing, ease of administration, and stability for a wide range of medications and supplements. The choice of tablet type depends on the specific drug, patient preferences, and therapeutic requirements.

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