Tablets (Pharmacy)

Definition of Tablets (Pharmacy):

Tablets are unit Solid dosage forms (SDFs) or a pharmaceutical oral dosage form (OSD) each covering a single dose of one or more active drugs with or without excipients prepared by molding or compression method.
It is also known as “Pill“.

Greater improved stability in terms of physical and chemical properties compared to liquid dosage forms.
Tablets offer a precisely measured dose and minimal unit dose content variation.
Low cost of production.
Simple to package and transport.
Easy to recognize.
The methods and procedures used during manufacturing can give tablets unique qualities. Enteric coating, prolonged release, and fast-dissolving tablets are among the examples.

Poorly soluble drugs or poorly absorbable drugs may give Poor bioavailability.
Local Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) irritation effect may occur in some of drugs.
Trouble for swallowing in many patients such as paediatrics and geriatrics.
Compared to other dosage forms, traditional tablets take longer to start working because the medicine must first dissolve and disintegrate before it can start working.
Solvable, dispersible, meltable, and effervescent pills are examples of exceptions.

1. Classification based on drug release rate from the tablet

A. Immediate release tablet (IR Tablets) or Fast dissolving tablet:
- It is the most typical kind and consists of the following:
  1. Disintegrating tablets
  2. Chewable tablets
  3. Sub-lingual tablets
  4. Soluble tablets
  5. Effervescent tablets

B. Modified release tablet (MR):
- They have time-, course-, or location-based drug release capabilities. They have to be inhaled whole. These are a few of them
  1. Extended-release tablet (ER Tablets)
  2. Delayed release tablet (DR Tablets)

2. Classification based on the method of manufacture:

3. Classification based on the route of administration

(a) Oral tablets:

(b) Oral cavity tablets: