Types of Tablet Coating and its Functionality in pharma industry

In this article, we have discussed the different types of tablet coating and their functionalities in the pharmaceutical industry.

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Medicine
Picture: Pixabay
Rakesh Dahiya

Last Updated on July 22, 2023 by The Health Master

Types of Tablet Coating and its Functionality

Tablet coating is a crucial aspect of pharmaceutical tablet production, as it helps to improve the tablet’s stability, appearance, and patient acceptability.

The process of coating involves applying a thin layer of material to the surface of the tablet, which can be done for various reasons, including to mask unpleasant tastes and odours, protect the tablet from moisture, and provide a controlled release of the active ingredient.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of tablet coating and their functionalities in the pharmaceutical industry.

Sugar Coating:

Sugar coating is one of the most traditional methods of tablet coating and is still widely used in the pharmaceutical industry today.

The process involves coating the tablet with a layer of sugar syrup, which is then dried and polished to produce a smooth, shiny surface.

This type of coating is often used to improve the appearance and palatability of the tablet, as well as to protect it from moisture and improve its shelf life.

Film Coating:

Film coating is a more modern method of tablet coating that involves applying a thin, uniform layer of polymer to the surface of the tablet.

This type of coating is commonly used to improve the appearance of the tablet, to control the release of the active ingredient, and to protect the tablet from moisture.

Film coatings can be made from a variety of polymers, including cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and ethyl cellulose.

Enteric Coating:

Enteric coating is a type of tablet coating that is designed to protect the active ingredient from being dissolved in the stomach, where the high acidity can cause the tablet to disintegrate or release its active ingredient too quickly.

Instead, the enteric coating allows the tablet to pass through the stomach and dissolve in the less acidic environment of the small intestine.

This type of coating is often used for drugs that are sensitive to stomach acid, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Modified-Release Coating:

Modified-release coatings are used to control the release of the active ingredient, allowing it to be released over a prolonged period of time.

This type of coating is often used for drugs that require a sustained release of the active ingredient, such as medications for the treatment of chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes.

Taste Masking Coating:

Taste masking coatings are used to improve the palatability of the tablet by masking unpleasant tastes and odours.

This type of coating is particularly important for paediatric and geriatric patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills due to unpleasant taste or odour.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tablet coating plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry, as it helps to improve the stability, appearance, and patient acceptability of the tablet.

Different types of tablet coating are used for various purposes, including sugar coating for appearance and palatability, film coating for protection and controlled release, enteric coating for protection from stomach acid, modified-release coating for sustained release, and taste masking coating for improved palatability.

Understanding the different types of tablet coating and their functionalities is essential for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of tablets.

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