Material properties for making fast dissolving tablets by a compression method

Fast dissolving tablets (FDTs) are prepared by several different methods including crystalline transition, phase transition, sublimation, spray drying, and direct compression. Of these approaches, a conventional tablet compression method is used most widely because of its low cost and ease of manufacturing. Research on FDTs prepared by the compression method has focused on decreasing the dissolution (or disintegration) time of the tablets in the mouth, while maintaining sufficiently high mechanical strength to withstand handling during manufacturing, packaging, and transportation. The key to developing a successful FDT formulation by the compression method is to select the right excipients and the right processing techniques. In general, FDTs are made of highly hydrophilic materials and possess highly porous structures for fast water absorption into the tablet matrix. The excipients that are currently used as well as those that are expected to be used for the future development of improved FDTs are described.