Compaction of Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

It has been estimated that more than 80% of all medication doses are administered as tablets—that is, in unit dosage forms prepared by compacting powders in dies. For drugs with acceptable oral-absorption profiles, the compacted tablet is the first choice as a delivery system in drug development. Modern tablets range in size from 25 milligrams (veterinary implants) to several grams (veterinary “boluses”). The most common tablet shape is the double convex-faced disk. Shapes range from capsule to triangular forms, in many instances with bisects embossed or debossed with identification codes and company logos. Tablets may be either film- or sugar-coated, may be designed for immediate or extended release, or may be prepared as multilayer or laminated forms. In addition to oral administration, tablets may be predissolved or designed to be disintegrated in the mouth, or may be administered by injection or as suppositories. Production rates for over-the-counter products such as acetaminophen tablets can exceed three 1,000-kg batches per week, requiring high-speed multiple-station tablet presses for production. In contrast, implants—which have low-volume market requirements—must be made under aseptic conditions on special singlestation presses.