Preparation and evaluation of water-absorbing swollen mini-tablet aimed at improving ingestion

Abstract The aim of this study was to prepare an oral formulation that is easy to take. We investigated the preparation of mini-tablets that are solid with moderate strength during storage but swell and gel in water after administration. We focused on obtaining the ideal properties for comfortable deglutition, such as rapid swelling and gelling when in contact with water, good elasticity to accommodate swallowing pressure, low adhesiveness to prevent adhering to the oral cavity and the esophagus, and in clinical use, appropriate dissolution for drug release. Acetaminophen was used as a model drug. Porous calcium silicate (Florite ® ; FL) was used as a base. The mini-tablets were prepared by compressing physical mixtures of FL and water-soluble polymers, carrageenan (CAR), ι-carrageenan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxy methylcellulose sodium, sodium alginate, or pectin, in various ratios. The mini-tablets that best fit the desired criteria were those prepared with 20–30% of CAR among the polymers used. The preparation method for these mini-tablets is simple and easy. The mini-tablets could be useful for the pharmacotherapy of infants or elderly persons because those would be easy to swallow and doses could be easily adjusted to meet the patient' needs.