Abstract

Akash Luniya* Mohammad Noman

ABSTRACT

Excipients, once considered merely inert ingredients, are now recognized as critical functional components in tablet formulations, significantly influencing manufacturability, stability, bioavailability, and patient acceptability. This comprehensive review examines the diverse categories of excipients employed in tablet formulation, highlighting their multifunctional roles and selection criteria. Fillers such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, and mannitol provide bulk and improve compressibility, while binders including starches, cellulose derivatives, and synthetic polymers ensure tablet cohesion and integrity. Disintegrants facilitate tablet breakdown in physiological fluids, with superdisintegrants enabling rapid dissolution profiles essential for immediate-release formulations. Lubricants, glidants, and anti-adherents enhance manufacturing efficiency by improving powder flow and reducing friction during compression. Coating materials serve multiple functions, from taste-masking and aesthetic enhancement to controlled drug release and protection against environmental conditions. Recent advancements in co-processed and multifunctional excipients address limitations of traditional excipients, offering improved functionality and processing characteristics. The review further explores emerging technologies including continuous manufacturing and 3D printing, which create new demands and opportunities for excipient innovation. Patient-centric formulation approaches for pediatric and geriatric populations have driven development of specialized excipients addressing specific needs such as taste-masking, easy swallowing, and flexible dosing. Research gaps regarding excipient effects on gastrointestinal absorption, excipient variability, and sustainable alternatives present opportunities for further investigation. This review provides valuable insights for pharmaceutical scientists by emphasizing the strategic importance of excipient selection in achieving desired tablet characteristics and therapeutic outcomes.