TABLET

INTRODUCTION
According to USP
Tablet is defined as a compressed solid dosage form
containing medicaments with or without excipients.

According to the Indian Pharmacopoeia

Pharmaceutical tablets are solid, flat or biconvex dishes,
unit dosage form, prepared by compressing a drug or a
mixture of drugs, with or without diluents.
 INTRODUCTION
Tablets are solid dose pharmaceutical preparation containing drug substances usually
prepared with the aid of suitable pharmaceutical excipients.

They may vary in size, shape, weight, hardness, thickness, disintegration and dissolution
characteristics and in other aspects, depending on their intended use and method of
manufacture.

Tablets constitute approximately 90% of all dosage forms clinically used to provide
systemic administration of therapeutic agents.

This widespread use of tablets has been achieved as a result of their convenience and also
the diversity of tablet types.

Tablets are prepared primarily by compression of granules or powder blends, with a

limited number prepared by moulding.

Most tablets are used in the oral administration of drugs. Many of these are prepared
with colourants and coatings of various types.

Other tablets, such as sublingual, buccal, or vaginal tablets, are prepared to have
features most applicable to their particular route of administration.
 Aadvantages of the Tablet dosage form are:

• They are unit dosage form and offer the greatest

capabilities of all oral dosage form for the greatest dose
precision and the least content variability.

• Cost is lowest of all oral dosage form.

• Lighter and compact.

• Easiest and cheapest to package and strip.

• Easy to swallowing with least tendency

• Sustained release product is possible by enteric

coating.
 Advantages of the Tablet dosage form are:

• Objectionable odour and bitter taste can be masked by coating

technique.

• Suitable for large scale production.

• Greatest chemical and microbial stability over all oral dosage

form.

• Product identification is easy and rapid requiring no additional

steps when employing an embossed and/or monogrammed
punch face.
 Disadvantages of Tablet dosage form are:

• Difficult to swallow in case of children and unconscious

patients.

• Some drugs resist compression into dense compacts, owing to

amorphous nature, low density character.

• Drugs with poor wetting, slow dissolution properties, optimum

absorption high in GIT may be difficult to formulate or
manufacture as a tablet that will still provide adequate or full
drug bioavailability.

• Bitter testing drugs, drugs with an objectionable odor or

drugs that are sensitive to oxygen may require
encapsulation or coating. In such cases, capsule may offer
the best and lowest cost.
General properties of Tablet dosage forms:

1. A tablet should have elegant product identity while free of

defects like chips, cracks, discoloration, and contamination.

2. Should have sufficient strength to withstand mechanical

shock during its production packaging, shipping and
dispensing.

3. Should have the chemical and physical stability to

maintain its physical attributes over time

4. The tablet must be able to release the medicinal agents in

a predictable and reproducible manner.

5. Must have a chemical stability over time so as not to follow

alteration of the medicinal agents.
 Different types of Tablets
(A)Tablets ingested orally:
1.Compressed tablet, e.g. Paracetamol tablet

2.Multiple compressed tablet

3.Delayed release tablet, e.g. Enteric coated Bisacodyl tablet

4.Sugar coated tablet, e.g. Multivitamin tablet

5.Film coated tablet, e.g. Metronidazole tablet

6.Chewable tablet, e.g. Antacid tablet

(B)Tablets used in oral cavity:

1. Buccal tablet, e.g. Vitamin-c tablet

2. Sublingual tablet, e.g. Vicks Menthol tablet

3. Troches or lozenges

4. Dental cone
(C) Tablets administered by other route:

1. Implantation tablet

2. Vaginal tablet, e.g. Clotrimazole tablet

(D) Tablets used to prepare solution:

1. Effervescent tablet, e.g. Disprin tablet (Aspirin)

2. Dispensing tablet, e.g. Enzyme tablet (Digiplex)

3. Hypodermic tablet

4. Tablet triturates e.g. Enzyme tablet (Digiplex)

 Different types of Tablets
(A) Tablets ingested orally:
1.Compressed tablet, e.g. Paracetamol tablet
1.Compressed tablets represent a significant proportion of
tablets that are clinically used to provide systemic
administration of therapeutic agents either in an uncoated
state (i.e., in their simplest form) or in a coated state.
2.These tablets are designed to provide rapid disintegration
in the gastric fluid following ingestion hence, allowing rapid
release of the drug and, ultimately, systemic absorption of
the dosage form.

3. Compressed tablets are formed by compression of

powdered, crystalline, or granular materials into the
required geometry by the application of high pressures,
utilizing steel punches and die.
 Different types of Tablets

(A) Tablets ingested orally:

1.Compressed tablet, e.g. Paracetamol tablet

4.In addition to the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient(s) (APIs),

compressed tablets usually contain a number of pharmaceutical
excipients e.g., bulking agents, disintegrants, binders, lubricants,
controlled-release polymers and other miscellaneous adjuncts such as
colourants and flavourants which serve different and specialized purpose
during tablet manufacture, storage, and use.

5.Examples of compressed tablets include tablets for oral, buccal,

sublingual, or vaginal administration.
 Different types of Tablets
(A)Tablets ingested orally:
2.Multiple compressed tablet
1. Multiple compressed tablets, also called multi-compressed tablets are
tablets that are composed of two or more layers.
2. These tablets are prepared by subjecting the fill material to more than
one compression cycle.
3. The result may be a multiple-layer tablet or a tablet within a tablet, the
inner tablet being the core and the outer portion being the shell.
4. This process is best used when separation of active ingredients is needed
for stability purposes or if the mixing process is inadequate to guarantee
uniform distribution of two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients.
5. Multiple compressed tablets can also be used when there is a need to
mask the bitter taste of a drug substance or where the drug substance in
question is irritant to the stomach.
6 There are three subclasses of multiple compressed tablets and they
include:
 Different types of Tablets

(A)Tablets ingested orally:

2.Multiple compressed tablet
i. Compression Coated Tablets
 Different types of Tablets
(A)Tablets ingested orally:
2.Multiple compressed tablet
i. Compression Coated Tablets
1.Compression coated tablets also referred to as dry-coated tablets or press-coated
tablets, are tablets with two parts; internal core and surrounding coat.

2.These tablets are prepared by feeding previously compressed tablets into a

special tablet press (e.g., Manesty Drycota) and compressing another granulation layer
around a preformed tablet core.

3. Compression coated tablets have all the advantages of compressed tablets (i.e.,
slotting, monogramming, speed of disintegration) while retaining the attributes of
sugarcoated tablets in masking the taste of the drug substance in the core tablets.

4. These tablets can also be used to separate incompatible drug substances (one in the
core and the other in the coat); in addition, they can provide a means of giving an
enteric coating to the core tablets.
 Different types of Tablets
(A)Tablets ingested orally:
2.Multiple compressed tablet
ii. Layered Tablets
 Different types of Tablets
(A)Tablets ingested orally:
2.Multiple compressed tablet
ii. Layered Tablets

1.They are tablets composed of two or more layers of ingredients.

2.Layered tablets are prepared by compressing additional tablet granulation on a

previously compressed granulation to form two-layered or three-layered tablets,
depending on the number of separate fills.

3.Each layer may contain a different medicinal agent, separated for reasons of physical
or chemical incompatibility, staged drug release, or simply the unique appearance of
the layered tablet.

4.Unlike conventional tablets where we have a single piece of substance moulded to

shape, layered tablets have the appearance of a sandwich because the edges of each
layer are exposed.
 (A)Tablets ingested orally:
2.Multiple compressed tablet
iii. Inlay Tablets
 (A)Tablets ingested orally:
2.Multiple compressed tablet
iii. Inlay Tablets
1.Inlay tablets also referred to as dot, or bull’s-eye tablet is a variation of compressed
tablet with a partially surrounded core.

2.Instead of the tablet core being completely surrounded by the coating, its top surface
is completely exposed.

3.Inlay tablets are prepared by feeding previously compressed tablets into a prefilled
die cavity of Stokes, Colton, or Kilian machines.

4.When compressed, some of the coating material is displaced to form the sides.
With a yellow core and a white coating, Inlay tablets resemble a fried egg.
Inlay tablets can be useful in sustained release preparations to reduce the size and
weight of the tablet.

5.A typical example is a European preparation containing 25 mg of

hydrochlorothiazide in the bull’s-eye and 600 mg of potassium chloride in the outside
portion.
(A)Tablets ingested orally:
3. Delayed release tablet,
 (A)Tablets ingested orally:
3. Delayed release tablet
1.Enteric-coated tablets are compressed tablets that have delayed-release
properties.

2.They are coated with polymeric substances (such as cellulose acetate

phthalate/cellulose acetate butyrate ;hydroxypropylmethylcellulose
succinate; and methacrylic acid copolymers) that resist solution in gastric
fluid but disintegrate and allow drug dissolution and absorption in the
intestine.

3.Enteric coatings are primarily employed when the drug substance is

inactivated or destroyed by gastric acid (e.g., erythromycin) or is
particularly irritating to the gastric mucosa (e.g., non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs) or when bypass of the stomach substantially enhances
drug absorption.

4. Example of enteric-coated tablets includes Lofnac 100 – Diclofenac

sodium delayed-release tablet USP 100mg (bliss GVS Pharma Ltd), Ecotrin
tablets (GlaxoSmithKline ).
 (A)Tablets ingested orally:
4.Sugar coated Tablets
 (A)Tablets ingested orally:
4.Sugar coated Tablets
1.These are compressed tablets that have been coated with concentrated
sugar solution to improve patient’s compliance, increase aesthetic appeal,
mask objectionable tastes or odours, increase stability and/or modify the
release of therapeutic agent(s).

2.Sugar coating was once quite common but lost commercial appeal due to
the time and expertise required in the coating process, the increase in size
and weight of coated tablets, high cost of process validation and shipping.

3.The advent of film-coated tablets has also greatly decreased use of sugar
coatings due to the improved mechanical properties of the technique.

4. Examples of sugar-coated tablets include Reasulf tablets – dried ferrous

sulphate BP 200mg (Reagan Remedies Ltd.), Advil – Ibuprofen tablet BP
200mg (Pfizer Consumer Healthcare), Ebu-200 – Ibuprofen tablet BP
200mg (Me cure Industries Ltd) etc.
(A)Tablets ingested orally:

5.Film coated Tablets

 5.Film coated Tablets

1. Film-coated tablets are conventional tablets coated with a thin layer of polymer
(e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose) or a mixture of
polymers (e.g., Eudragit E100) capable of forming a skin-like film.

2.The film is usually coloured and also impacts the same general characteristics as
sugar coating with the added advantage of being more durable, less bulky, and less
time-consuming to apply.

3.By its composition, the coating is designed to break and expose the core tablet at
the desired location in the gastrointestinal tract.

Examples of Film-coated tablets

Curefenac 100 – Diclofenac potassium USP 100mg (Unicure Pharmaceutical Ltd)

Valsartan 320mg Film-coated Tablets (Actavis UK Ltd), etc.

(A)Tablets ingested orally:
6.ChewableTablets
 6.ChewableTablets
1.Chewable tablets are big sized tablets which are difficult to swallow and thus, are
chewed within the buccal cavity prior to swallowing.

2.They are especially useful for administration of large tablets to children and adults
who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets or antacid formulations in which
the size of the tablet is normally large and the neutralisation efficacy of the tablet is
related to particle size within the stomach.

3.These tablets are not conventionally used if the drug has issues regarding taste
acceptability.

Examples of chewable tablets include

Danacid – compound magnesium trisilicate tablet B.P. (Dana Pharmaceuticals
Limited),
Gestid – tasty chewable antacid (Ranbaxy) etc.
Gelucil
(B)Tablets used in oral cavity:

1. Buccal tablet e.g. Vitamin-c tablet

2. Sublingual tablet, e.g. Vicks Menthol tablet
3. Troches or lozenges
4. Dental cone
(B)Tablets used in oral cavity:

1 Buccal tablet or Sublingual Tablet

Buccal and sublingual tablets are small, flat, oval tablets that are
intended to be dissolved in the buccal pouch (buccal tablets) or beneath
the tongue (sublingual tablets) for absorption through the oral mucosa
to produce a systemic effect.

These tablets are employed to achieve either rapid absorption into the
systemic circulation e.g. glyceryl trinitrate sublingual tablets or,
alternatively, to enable oral absorption of drugs that are destroyed by
the gastric juice and/or are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal
tract.
 (B)Tablets used in oral cavity:

1 Buccal tablet
These tablets are to be placed in the buccal pouch or between
the gums and lips or cheek where they dissolve or disintegrate
slowly and are absorbed directly without passing into the
alimentary canal.
e.g. tablets of ethisterone.
 (B)Tablets used in oral cavity:

1. Sublingual tablets
These tablets are to be placed under the tongue where they
dissolve or disintegrate quickly and are absorbed directly without
passing into GIT (gastro intestinal tract). e.g. tablets of glyceryl
trinitrite
(B)Tablets used in oral cavity:
1 Buccal tablet or Sublingual Tablet
 (B)Tablets used in oral cavity:
3.Troches or lozenges
 These are disc-shaped solid preparations containing medicinal agents and
generally a flavouring substance in a hard candy or sugar base.

 They are intended to be slowly dissolved in the oral cavity, usually for local
effects.
 These tablets are designed to exert a local effect in the mouth or throat.
 These tablets are commonly used to treat sore throat or to control
coughing in common cold.
 They may contain local anaesthetics, antiseptic, antibacterial agents,
astringents and antitussives.
 These are prepared by compression at a high pressure or by the moulding
process and generally contain a sweetening agent, a flavouring agent and
a substance which produces a cooling effect along with medicaments.
(B)Tablets used in oral cavity:

3.Troches or lozenges
(B)Tablets used in oral cavity:
 (C) Tablets administered by other route:
1.Implantation tablet
 These tablets are placed under the skin or inserted subcutaneously by
means of minor surgical operation and are slowly absorbed.
 These may be made by heavy compression but are normally made by
fusion.
 The implants must be sterile and should be packed individually in
sterile condition.
 Implants are mainly used for administration of hormones such as
testosterone and deoxycorticosterone etc.
 2.Vaginal tablet
 These tablets are meant to dissolve slowly in the vaginal cavity.
 The tablets are typically ovoid or pear shaped to facilitate retention in
the vagina.
 This tablet form is used to release steroids, antibacterial agents,
antiseptics or astringents to treat vaginal infections.
 The tablets are often buffered to promote a pH favourable to the
action of a specified antiseptic agent.
 D. Tablets used to prepare solution:
1. Effervescent tablets are tablets which are designed to dissolve in
water, and release carbon dioxide.
 They are products of compression of component ingredients in the
form of powders into a dense mass, which is packaged in blister pack,
or with a hermetically sealed package with incorporated desiccant in
the cap.
 To use them, they are dropped into water to make a solution.
 The powdered ingredients are also packaged and sold
as effervescent powders or may be granulated and sold
as effervescent granules.
 Generally powdered ingredients are first granularized before being
made into tablets
The Effervescent Reaction
Effervescence is the evolution of gas bubbles from a liquid, as the result of a
chemical reaction. The most common reaction for pharmaceutical purpose is
the acid base reaction between sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Acid-
base reactions between alkali metal bicarbonates and citric or tartaric acid
have been used for many years to produce pharmaceutical preparations that
effervesce as soon as water is added.

For example: the reaction of Citric acid and Sodium bicarbonate

Advantages Of Effervescent Tablets
1. Fast onset of action
2. No need to swallow tablets
3. Good stomach and intestinal tolerance
5. Improved palatability
6. Accurate dosing
7. Improved therapeutic effect
 2.Dispensing tablet, e.g. Enzyme tablet
 The medicaments commonly incorporated in
dispensing these tablets include mild silver proteinate,
bichloride of mercury merbromin and quarternary
ammonium compounds.
 These tablets contain excipient which gets dissolved
quickly to form a clear solution.
 These tablets are highly toxic if taken orally by
mistake.
 So, great care must be taken in the packaging and
labelling of such tablets in order to prevent their
misuse.
 3. Hypodermic tablet
 These are compressed tablets which are composed of
one or more drugs with readily water soluble
ingredients.
 These tablets are dissolved in sterile water or water for
injection and administered by parenteral route.
 So, special percautions are needed to be taken during
their preparations.
 These tablets however are not preferred nowadays as
there are chances that the solution prepared from
hypodermic tablets may be a non-sterile.
 4.Tablet triturates

 Tablet triturates are small, usually cylindrical, moulded or

compressed tablets containing small amounts of usually potent
drugs.

 Today, only a few tablet triturate products are available

commercially.

 Since tablet triturates must be readily and completely soluble in

water, only a minimal amount of pressure is applied during their
manufacture.
 A combination of sucrose and lactose is usually the
diluent.

 The few tablet triturates that mainly are used

sublingually, such as nitroglycerin tablets.

 Pharmacists also employ tablet triturates in

compounding. For example, triturates are inserted into
capsules or dissolved in liquid to provide accurate
amounts of potent drug substances.
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