ORODISPERSIBLE TABLETS: AN OVERVIEW OF FORMULATION APPROACHES, SUPERDISINTEGRANTS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) have emerged as an effective oral drug delivery system designed to overcome swallowing difficulties associated with conventional tablets and capsules. They rapidly disintegrate in the oral cavity without the need for water, improving patient compliance, particularly among paediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic patients. The performance of ODTs is strongly influenced by formulation components, especially the type and concentration of superdisintegrants, as well as the manufacturing technique employed. This review highlights the ideal properties, drug selection criteria, advantages, limitations, formulation challenges, and mechanisms of drug release associated with ODTs. Emphasis is placed on superdisintegrants, including synthetic, natural, and co-processed materials, along with their mechanisms of action. Various preparation techniques such as direct compression, lyophilization, sublimation, spray drying, and nanonization are discussed. Recent studies demonstrate significant improvements in disintegration time, dissolution rate, and bioavailability, indicating the growing potential of ODTs as a patient-friendly dosage form.