A review on fast dissolving tablet

Abstract

Oral route having the highest patient compliance is regarded as the most convenient, safest and also the most economical method of drug delivery. Fast dissolving tablets (FDT) are one such most advantageous example of the oral drug delivery. These tablets readily dissolve or disintegrate in the saliva i.e. within less than 60 sec without the need for water. They have been formulated for pediatric, geriatric and bedridden patients. Novel FDT technologies address many patient and pharmaceutical needs such as enhanced life cycle management to convenient dosing particularly for pediatric, geriatric and psychiatric patients who have difficulty in swallowing (Dysphasia) conventional tablet and capsules. Such formulations provide an opportunity for product line extension in the many elderly persons will have difficulties in taking conventional oral dosage forms (viz., solutions, suspensions, tablets, and capsules) because of hand tremors and dysphasia. Swallowing problems also are common in young individuals because of their underdeveloped muscular and nervous systems. Other groups that may experience problems using conventional oral dosage forms include the mentally ill, the developmentally disabled, and patients who are uncooperative, on reduced liquid-intake plans, or are nauseated. In some cases such as motion sickness, sudden episodes of allergic attack or coughing, and an unavailability of water, swallowing conventional tablets may be difficult. This review depicts the various aspects of FDT formulation, super-disintegrates and technologies developed for FDT, evaluation tests and marketed formulations in this field.