ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS – A NOVEL APPROACH

Pharmaceutical technologists have developed a novel oral dosage forms known as orally disintegrating tablets or fast disintegrating tablets or mouth melting tablets or mouth dissolving tablets which disintegrate rapidly in saliva, usually in a matter of seconds, without the need to take water. The performance of ODTs depends on the technology used in their manufacture. The orally disintegrating property of these tablets is attributable to the quick ingress of water into the tablet matrix, which creates porous structure and results in rapid disintegration. Hence, the basic approaches to develop ODTs include maximizing the porous structure of the tablet matrix, incorporating the appropriate disintegrating agent and using highly water-soluble excipients in the formulation. Fast disintegrating tablets have better patient acceptance, compliance and possibly will tender enhanced biopharmaceutical properties, superior efficacy, and enhanced safety compared to conventional oral dosage forms. The perspective for such dosage forms is promising because of the accessibility of new technologies combined with strong market/patient acceptance.