Oral Disintegrating Tablets: A Review

In the design of dosage forms, comforts of drug administration and patient conformity have considerable prominence. Recent and rising technologies can manufacture robust, versatile tablets with extraordinary taste masking and controlled release. Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) are solid dosage forms that disintegrate in the mouth in less than 60 s, and are thus swallowed without the need for water. Rapid disintegration of tablet cause quick dissolution and thus fast onset of action. ODTs are suitable dosage form for special populations like pediatrics, geriatrics, psychotic, dysphagic, bedridden patients, unconscious patients, young patients with under developed muscular and nervous system, patients with hand tremors problems and frequent traveller patients. It provides good stability, accurate dosing, easy manufacturing, decreased packaging size; self-administration is possible during the journey, as water is not required. ODTs are an economical method of drug delivery. ODTs are very important drug delivery system in cases where drug absorbed from buccal cavity. Various scientific techniques including spray drying, sublimation, freeze drying, molding, direct compression etc. have been employed for the development of ODTs. Today, ODTs are more widely available as over the counter products for the treatment of numerous diseases. The aim of this article is to review the advantages, limitations, formulation challenges, manufacturing techniques, patented technologies, marketed formulations and evaluation tests of ODTs.