11 Types of Pharmaceutical Tablets

Pharmaceutical tablets are one of the most common and versatile dosage forms, offering convenience, stability, and accurate dosing. They are solid preparations containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients, typically manufactured through compression or molding.

Understanding the different types of tablets is crucial for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in pharmaceutical science. Below, we explore the main categories, their characteristics, and common examples.

Types of Tablets

This table offers a high-level summary. For a more detailed explanation of each tablet type and its manufacturing considerations, continue reading below.

1. Uncoated Tablets

These are the simplest form of compressed tablets without any outer layer. They are cost-effective and disintegrate rapidly in the stomach.

• Examples: Paracetamol tablets, Aspirin tablets.

• Key Features: Simple design, fast disintegration, but may have a bitter taste and can be less stable in moisture or light.

2. Film-Coated Tablets

These have a thin, polymer-based layer that makes the tablet easier to swallow, masks unpleasant tastes, and provides a degree of protection from light and moisture.

• Examples: Ibuprofen film-coated tablets.

3. Enteric-Coated Tablets

These are designed with a special polymer coating that resists stomach acid. They dissolve only in the alkaline environment of the intestines, which protects the API from gastric acid or prevents the drug from irritating the stomach lining.

• Examples: Omeprazole enteric-coated tablets, Aspirin enteric-coated tablets.

4. Dispersible Tablets

These tablets are designed to disintegrate rapidly in a small amount of water (typically within 3 minutes) to form a uniform suspension before administration. This is ideal for patients, such as children or the elderly, who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets.

• Examples: Dispersible Amoxicillin tablets.

5. Effervescent Tablets

These uncoated tablets contain acid substances and carbonates or bicarbonates. They react rapidly in water to release carbon dioxide, causing the tablet to dissolve. This results in a pleasant-tasting solution and can enhance the absorption of the API.

• Examples: Vitamin C effervescent tablets.

6. Sustained-Release (SR) / Extended-Release (XR) Tablets

These tablets are engineered to release the drug slowly over an extended period, allowing for once-daily or twice-daily dosing instead of three or more times a day. This helps maintain a stable drug level in the body and improves patient compliance.

• Examples: Metformin extended-release tablets.

7. Sublingual Tablets

Placed under the tongue, where they dissolve quickly for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream. This route bypasses the digestive system and liver's first-pass metabolism, making it ideal for drugs that require a fast onset of action.

• Examples: Nitroglycerin tablets for angina attacks.

8. Buccal Tablets

Placed between the cheek and gum, where they erode slowly for absorption through the buccal mucosa. Similar to sublingual tablets, this allows the drug to enter systemic circulation directly.

9. Lozenges and Troches

Designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth for local effects in the oral cavity and throat, such as soothing a sore throat or delivering antiseptic action.

• Examples: Antiseptic throat lozenges.

10. Vaginal Tablets

Inserted into the vagina to treat local infections or conditions, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

• Examples: Clotrimazole vaginal tablets.

11. Rectal Tablets (Suppositories)

Inserted into the rectum. They are used for local treatment (e.g., hemorrhoids) or for systemic drug delivery when oral administration is not suitable (e.g., due to vomiting, nausea, or unconsciousness in patients).

• Examples: Bisacodyl suppositories (for constipation), Acetaminophen suppositories (for fever).

From Formulation to Production: The Role of Specialized Equipment

As evident from the diverse types of tablets, each category presents unique manufacturing challenges. The transition from a powder blend to a high-quality, reliable tablet depends critically on precision engineering and specialized equipment.

• Producing robust coated tablets requires not only a high-quality tablet press to create a perfect core but also an efficient coating machine to apply a uniform, consistent film or enteric layer.

• Manufacturing effervescent or dispersible tablets demands equipment capable of operating in a strictly controlled, low-humidity environment to prevent premature reactions during production.

• Creating complex modified-release tablets often involves advanced press technology capable of multi-layer compression or producing cores with specific physical characteristics for subsequent coating.

LTPMCHINA: Your Partner in Tablet Production Solutions

At LTPMCHINA, we provide the precise pharmaceutical equipment and expertise needed to bring your tablet formulations to life. From standard uncoated to complex modified-release tablets, we are your partner in production.

Ready to optimize your manufacturing process? Contact Our Experts to Discuss your specific production needs and get tailored equipment recommendations.