MINI TABLETS IN MODERN PHARMACEUTICS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF FORMULATION, EVALUATION, AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

The purpose of this review is to analyze the new role of mini tablet technology in pharmaceutical sciences by assessing its formulation approach, manufacturing process, quality evaluation parameters, and therapeutic use, especially in improving patient compliance and maximizing drug delivery. A systematic review of literature was performed using peer-reviewed journals, patents, and regulatory guidelines related to mini tablet formulation and testing. Manufacturing processes like direct compression, wet granulation, dry granulation, and melt-extrusion were critically appraised. Important test parameters like weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution profiles, and drug-excipient compatibility studies were evaluated. Mini tablets, often smaller than 3 mm in diameter, present benefits like enhanced accuracy of dosing, swallowability, and the possibility of multi-unit dosage forms. Mini tablets can be formulated for immediate, delayed, or prolonged drug release. Pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients are especially well-served by such forms. Specialized systems such as enteric-coated and bioadhesive mini tablets have also indicated favorable results in controlled and targeted drug delivery. Multiple reports of successful therapeutic uses in cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases have been documented in various studies. Mini tablet technology offers a flexible and patient-friendly option to traditional dosage forms. Its flexibility, ease of manufacture, and advantageous therapeutic profiles favor its wider application in contemporary pharmaceutics. Additional industrial uptake and research are necessary to fully maximize its potential in personalized and precision drug delivery systems.