| abstract |
A method of producing a fast-melt tablet comprises the steps of forming a mixture of components, the mixture comprising at least one fast dissolving sugar alcohol, at least one disintegrant or osmotic agent, and at least one an active component, blending the mixture for a period of time, and directly compressing the blended mixture at a compression force of typically between 5 and 2OkN to form the fast-melt tablet. The process of the invention does not involve any granulation step, thereby making the process more energy efficient and cost effective. The fast dissolving sugar alcohol is selected from the group comprising: mannitol; sorbitol; erythritol; xylitol; lactose; dextrose; and sucrose, and comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, and more preferably at least 70%, of the tablet (w/w). The active component is suitably provided in the form of microparticles or microcapsules having an average diameter of less than 125 microns. Also described are directly compressed fast dissolving type tablets obtainable by the process of the invention. The tablets typically are flat-faced. |