Enhanced Oral Drug Delivery Using Fast Dissolving Tablets Combined With Solid Dispersion Technology – An Overview

Abstract

The Fast-Dissolving Tablet (FDT) is a unique and innovative drug delivery system widely recognized for its ability to enhance patient compliance. These tablets are specifically designed to rapidly dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth within seconds, providing an excellent alternative for patients who struggle with swallowing conventional pills or capsules. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the demand for fast-dissolving tablets, resulting in a substantial expansion of this field within the pharmaceutical industry. The growing popularity of FDTs has spurred advancements in pharmaceutical technology. Various techniques are employed in the development of fast dissolving tablets, including spray drying, mass extrusion, freeze drying, melt granulation, direct compression, sublimation, and solid dispersion. These approaches aim to achieve improved disintegration and dissolution of the tablets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of FDTs encompassing their definition, advantages, requirements, limitations, salient features, approaches for development, challenges in development, and examples of marketed formulations. The latter part of this article highlights the progress achieved in formulating fast-dissolving tablets (FDTs) through the utilization of solid dispersion. It also provides a concise explanation of the preparation method and a discussion on the different types, advantages, disadvantages and characterization of solid dispersions.