Forms of tablets - an overview, application and advantages of technology

Pharmaceutical technology is constantly evolving, offering more and more new solutions in the form of the drug that are designed to increase the stability of the active substance and patient comfort. Tablets, being the most popular oral form, come in many variants that differ in shape, method of release and method of production. The following analysis approximates the characteristics of the individual types and their importance in the therapeutic process.

What are the basic types of solid forms?

The most common variant is uncoated tablets, obtained by direct pressing of powders or granules. Their structure is homogeneous, which ensures rapid decay in the gastrointestinal tract and the release of api. An alternative is coated forms, covered with a thin layer of polymer or sugar, which masks the unpleasant taste, facilitates swallowing and protects sensitive components from the effects of light and moisture. Contract manufacturer of tablets also offers modified-release versions, such as enteral tablets, which dissolve only in the small intestine, protecting the gastric mucosa from irritation.

Where are effervescent and sublingual tablets used?

A specific group consists of effervescent forms, which, when thrown into water, react violently with the release of carbon dioxide to form a ready-to-eat solution. This solution is preferred in the case of dietary supplements and pain medications, where rapid absorption and the absence of the need to swallow a large pill are relevant for the elderly. Sublingual and supplementary tablets, in turn, are designed so that the active substance penetrates directly into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa, bypassing the effect of the first passage through the liver, which is crucial in cardiology and the treatment of emergency conditions.

Why does manufacturing technology matter?

The tabletting process requires a precise selection of excipients such as fillers, binders and glidants, which determine the hardness, brittleness and decomposition time of the final product. Modern production lines allow the creation of multilayer tablets, in which the individual layers may contain different active substances or release them at different rates. Advanced quality control systems monitor the physicochemical parameters of each batch, guaranteeing repeatability and compliance with strict pharmacopoeial standards.

The most important information about the forms of medication

• Uncoated tablets are characterized by a homogeneous structure and rapid release of the substance.
• Polymer coating protects the active ingredients from external factors and masks the taste.
• Enteral forms prevent irritation of the stomach by releasing the drug in the small intestine.
• The effervescent versions make it easier for people with swallowing problems to take the preparations.
• Sublingual tablets provide rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream.
• Multilayer versions allow you to combine different active substances in one dose.
• The choice of excipients affects physical parameters such as hardness and decay time.

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FAQ

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How do enteral tablets work?

Their shell is resistant to the effects of stomach acid, so they only break down in the distal section of the digestive tract. This protects the gastric mucosa from potential irritation by the active substance.

Why is coating used?

A thin layer of polymer or sugar performs a protective function, protecting the drug from light and moisture. In addition, it masks the unpleasant taste of the medicinal substance, which makes it easier to swallow.

When is the drug administered sublingually?

This route of administration is chosen in situations requiring rapid action, e.g. in cardiology. The substance is absorbed directly through the oral mucosa, bypassing the liver.

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