Tablets

The various tablet types are described as follows:

Compressed tablets

Compressed tablets represent a significant proportion of tablets that are clinically used to provide systemic administration of therapeutic agents either in an uncoated state (i.e., in their simplest form) or in a coated state. These tablets are designed to provide rapid disintegration in the gastric fluid following ingestion hence, allowing rapid release of the drug and, ultimately, systemic absorption of the dosage form.

Sugar-coated Tablets

These are compressed tablets that have been coated with concentrated sugar solution to improve patient’s compliance, increase aesthetic appeal, mask objectionable tastes or odours, increase stability and/or modify the release of therapeutic agent(s). Sugarcoating was once quite common but lost commercial appeal due to the time and expertise required in the coating process, the increase in size and weight of coated tablets, high cost of process validation and shipping.

Film-Coated Tablets

Film-coated tablets are conventional tablets coated with a thin layer of polymer (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose) or a mixture of polymers (e.g., Eudragit E100) capable of forming a skin-like film. The film is usually coloured and also impacts the same general characteristics as sugar coating with the added advantage of being more durable, less bulky, and less time-consuming to apply. By its composition, the coating is designed to break and expose the core tablet at the desired location in the gastrointestinal tract.

Effervescent Tablets

Effervescent tablets are uncoated tablets that generally contain organic acids (such as tartaric or citric acid) and sodium bicarbonate in addition to the medicinal substance or API.  They react rapidly in the presence of water by releasing carbon dioxide which acts as a disintegrator to produce either a drug suspension or an aqueous solution.

Enteric-coated Tablets

Enteric-coated tablets are compressed tablets that have delayed-release properties. They are coated with polymeric substances (such as cellulose acetate phthalate/cellulose acetate butyrate; hydroxypropylmethylcellulose succinate; and methacrylic acid copolymers) that resist solution in gastric fluid but disintegrate and allow drug dissolution and absorption in the intestine.

Chewable Tablets

Chewable tablets are big sized tablets which are difficult to swallow and thus, are chewed within the buccal cavity prior to swallowing. They are especially useful for administration of large tablets to children and adults who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets or antacid formulations in which the size of the tablet is normally large and the neutralisation efficacy of the tablet is related to particle size within the stomach.

Buccal and Sublingual Tablets

Buccal and sublingual tablets are small, flat, oval tablets that are intended to be dissolved in the buccal pouch (buccal tablets) or beneath the tongue (sublingual tablets) for absorption through the oral mucosa to produce a systemic effect. These tablets are employed to achieve either rapid absorption into the systemic circulation e.g. glyceryl trinitrate sublingual tablets or, alternatively, to enable oral absorption of drugs that are destroyed by the gastric juice and/or are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

A tablet press machine differs in size, shape, and many other configurations. However, AIPAK tablet press machine can be classified as : single punch press machines and rotary tablet press machines.

Single press machines use a single station tool (A die and upper and lower punch) for manufacturing and are simple to use. It is most ideal for developing and producing small batches of pills.

Rotary tablet Press Machines are the most preferred choice for companies who want to produce large batches of tablets. Unlike a single press machine, a rotary tablet press machine uses several tooling stations for advancing the output of the tablets.

The thickness and dimension of the product do play an important role in the production of tablets. The shape will give the product a proper identity. Hence, you need to adjust your pill pressing machine to ensure proper product positioning so that the width, thickness, and shape of the tablets are consistently uniform.

The increase inthe speed of tablet production is due to the use of multiple-tip tooling.Fine-tuning of different parameters of the tablet pressing machine has led to consistent compressing of quality tablets.

Yes, you need to regularly check and maintain your machine. Cleanliness and hygiene is an important factor while producing tablets.Dust and other bacteria should not enter the machine while manufacturing tablets.

Improperly maintained machines are a common cause of loss in the business. Remember to vacuum clean the tableting machine to remove dust and other granulated particles, clean all the surfaces with a cloth sprayed with disinfectant, release pressure from punches and call professionals to take care of the tableting machine in case of any wear or tear.