R Nepolean, K Chandramohan, S Sangeeth Kumar, D Anbarasu and
S Sivasankari
Abstract
Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) have become a key patient centric oral dosage form that is
designed to dissolve quickly in the mouth without the need of water, which aids in improving oral
adherence (in pediatric, geriatric, dysphagic and other special care patients). This review looks
at a broad review of how ODT technology has evolved over the decades, from early lyophilized
and moulded systems to modern robust systems that make use of direct compression, particle
engineering and additive manufacturing techniques. The discussion focuses on key formulation
principles such as critical quality attributes, excipient functionality and process considerations
including a special emphasis on achieving the best balance between fast rate of disintegration,
mechanical strength and palatability. Advanced taste masking approaches, including microencapsulation, hot melt coating, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, nanotechnology based systems
and 3D printing based designs are critically reviewed to explain the efficacy and limitations of
the taste masking methods. Furthermore, biopharmaceutical aspects of saliva mediated drug release, kinetics of absorption, solubility permeability issues, lack of dependence on food and water intake, and biopharmaceutical regulatory are highlighted to offer a holistic view. Emerging
innovations of personalized and precision oral drug delivery such as 3D printing, smart ODTs delivery, with new developments and possibilities for customized therapeutic regimens.
Keywords:
Orally disintegrating tablets; Formulation of taste masking; Patient centered drug delivery; Biopharmaceutical considerations of taste masking; 3D printing