Tablets

Definition

Tablets are solid dosage forms of medication that are created by compressing powders or granules into a specific shape, often circular or oval. They can be designed to dissolve quickly for rapid absorption or formulated for delayed or extended release, making them versatile in terms of how the drug is delivered into the body and absorbed into the bloodstream.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tablets can vary in size, shape, and formulation, influencing how quickly they dissolve and are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
2. The presence of food in the stomach can affect the absorption of tablets, with some medications needing to be taken on an empty stomach for optimal effectiveness.
3. Some tablets are designed with controlled-release mechanisms that allow them to release the active ingredient over time, improving patient compliance by reducing the frequency of dosing.
4. Chewable tablets and sublingual tablets are two types that enhance absorption by allowing faster access to the bloodstream compared to traditional swallowed tablets.
5. Tablet stability is crucial; factors like humidity and temperature can impact their effectiveness and shelf life, affecting how well they perform once ingested.

Review Questions

• How do the physical characteristics of tablets influence their absorption in the body?
  • The physical characteristics of tablets, such as size, shape, and whether they are coated or uncoated, play a significant role in their absorption. For instance, larger tablets may take longer to dissolve, potentially delaying absorption. The formulation also impacts how quickly the active ingredient is released into the digestive system. Additionally, tablets with specific coatings can alter where and how efficiently the drug is absorbed, such as enteric-coated tablets that dissolve in the intestine instead of the stomach.
• Discuss how food intake affects tablet absorption and provide examples of medications impacted by this factor.
  • Food intake can significantly influence tablet absorption by altering gastric pH, delaying gastric emptying, or competing for absorption pathways. For example, certain medications like some antibiotics may be less effective when taken with dairy products because calcium can bind to the drug and inhibit its absorption. Conversely, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might be recommended to be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal irritation while still achieving effective absorption.
• Evaluate the implications of controlled-release tablet formulations on patient adherence to medication regimens.
  • Controlled-release tablet formulations are designed to release their active ingredients gradually over time, which can significantly enhance patient adherence to medication regimens. By reducing the frequency of dosing from multiple times a day to once daily or even less often, these formulations improve convenience and ensure more consistent therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. This can lead to better management of chronic conditions and reduce the likelihood of missed doses or suboptimal therapeutic effects. Ultimately, this adherence positively impacts overall treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.

Related terms

Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect.

Enteric Coating: A protective layer applied to tablets that prevents dissolution in the stomach, allowing for absorption in the intestines.

Dissolution: The process by which a solid form of a drug dissolves in a solvent, critical for determining the rate and extent of drug absorption.