ORALLY DISINTEGRATING TABLETS: A REVIEW

Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are gaining prominence as new drug delivery systems and emerged as one of the popular and widely accepted dosage forms, especially for the pediatric and geriatric patie nts. To obviate the problem of dysphagia and to improve patient compliance, ODTs have gained considerable attention as preferred alternatives to conventional tablet and capsule formulations . Various scientific techniques including freeze drying, moulding, spray drying, sublimation, direct compression, cotton candy process, mass extrusion, melt granulation etc. have been employed for the development of ODTs. These techniques render the disintegration of tablet ra pidly and dissolve in mouth without chewing or additional water intake. The current article is focused on ideal characteristics, significant features, patented technologies, formulation aspects including the use of superdisintegrants. Various marketed preparations along with numerous scientific advanc ements made so far in this avenue have also been discussed.