Surfactants and colors in tablets

Paul W.S. Heng, Celine V. Liew

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Pharmaceutical tablets may be defined as solid dosage forms containing drug substances with or without adjuvants and prepared either by molding or compression. The features of compressed tablets which propel their popularity with both producers and users include ease and economy of production, precision of dosage, physical and chemical stability of drug, durability, portability, compactness, elegance, and convenience of dispensing and administration. Pharmaceutical tablets vary greatly in size, shape, and color. Size is generally related to the amount of drug required for the desired dosage. The shape is usually discoid with flat or biconvex surfaces although a wide variety of other shapes can be found. Tablets may also be scored to facilitate tablet division or embossed for identification. Tablets may be sugar-, film-, or enteric-coated. Coating tablets helps in tastemasking and gives protection against air, light, and moisture. Film coating offers better moisture protection than sugar coats and is popular in the development of controlled drug delivery systems. Enteric coatings resist dissolution in gastric fluid and prevent deactivation of acid-sensitive drugs in the acidic environment but allow dissolution in the alkaline intestinal fluid. Sometimes, enteric coating is applied for the purpose of prolonged release.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPharmaceutical Dosage Forms:Tablets
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 2: Rational Design and Formulation
EditorsLarry L Augsburger, Stephen W. Hoag
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
PublisherInforma UK (Informa Healthcare)
Chapter8
Pages269-292
Number of pages24
Edition3rd
ISBN (Electronic)9781420020298
ISBN (Print)9780849390159, 084939015X
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jun 2008
Externally publishedYes

Cite this