Fast Dissolving Tablets: Current Perspectives in Pharmaceutics

Fast dissolving tablets (FDTs) are solid oral dosage forms designed to disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity without the need for water, providing improved patient convenience and compliance. They are particularly beneficial for pediatric, geriatric, bedridden, and dysphagic patients who experience difficulty in swallowing conventional tablets. Rapid disintegration and dissolution of FDTs lead to faster onset of action and enhanced bioavailability. This review highlights the advantages, limitations, and mechanisms of tablet disintegration, including wicking, swelling, and deformation. Various formulation considerations, commonly used excipients such as superdisintegrants, and modern manufacturing techniques including direct compression, freeze drying, sublimation, and spray drying are discussed. Evaluation parameters for ensuring quality, such as pre- and post- compression studies, are also summarized. Despite challenges like low mechanical strength and moisture sensitivity, fast dissolving tablets remain a promising and patient-friendly drug delivery system with wide pharmaceutical applications.