Coated tablet

Coated tablet refers to a tablet in pharmacy that is covered with one or more layers of various substances. The primary purpose of the coating is to protect the tablet's core, control the release of active ingredients, improve the taste, or enhance the appearance of the tablet. Coated tablets are a common form of oral administration in medicine.

Overview

The process of coating tablets is a key step in the manufacture of many pharmaceutical and nutritional supplements. The coating can be composed of various materials, including sugar, film, or enteric substances, each serving different purposes. Sugar-coated tablets are often used to mask the taste of the drug, making it easier to swallow. Film-coated tablets provide a thinner, more durable layer that protects the drug from the environment and ensures it reaches the part of the gastrointestinal tract where it is most effectively absorbed. Enteric-coated tablets are designed to pass unchanged through the stomach to the intestines, where the coating dissolves and releases the active ingredient. This is particularly useful for drugs that can be irritating to the stomach or are unstable in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Types of Coatings

• Sugar Coating: One of the oldest methods of coating, involving several layers of sugar solution, often colored, to improve taste and appearance.
• Film Coating: A thin layer of a polymer-based solution is applied. This method is quicker and less labor-intensive than sugar coating.
• Enteric Coating: A polymer barrier applied on oral medication that prevents its dissolution or disintegration in the gastric environment.

Advantages of Coated Tablets

• Protection: Coatings can protect the active ingredients from light, moisture, and air, extending the shelf life of the product.
• Masking Taste and Odor: Many active pharmaceutical ingredients have an unpleasant taste or odor, which can be masked by coating.
• Controlled Release: Certain coatings can control the rate at which the drug is released into the bloodstream.
• Patient Compliance: Improved taste, appearance, and ease of swallowing can lead to better patient compliance with the prescribed regimen.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of coated tablets involves several steps. Initially, the core tablet containing the active ingredient and excipients is produced through compression. Following this, the core tablet undergoes the coating process, which can vary depending on the type of coating being applied. Equipment such as coating pans, spray coating machines, or fluidized bed coaters are commonly used in this process.

Regulatory Considerations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies have specific guidelines for the manufacture of coated tablets, including the safety and efficacy of the coating materials used. Manufacturers must ensure that the coatings do not negatively impact the bioavailability of the active ingredients.

Conclusion

Coated tablets represent a significant advancement in drug delivery technology, offering benefits in terms of protection, patient compliance, and controlled release of medications. As pharmaceutical technologies continue to evolve, the development of new coating materials and methods is likely to further enhance the effectiveness and patient friendliness of oral dosage forms.

This article is a stub related to medicine. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!