PriMera Scientific Surgical Research and Practice (ISSN: 2836-0028)

Review Article

Volume 7 Issue 3

Innovations in Orally Disintegrating Tablets Technology: Formulation Principles, Taste Masking Mechanisms, and Biopharmaceutical Considerations

R Nepolean, K Chandramohan, S Sangeeth Kumar*, D Anbarasu and S Sivasankari

March 02, 2026

DOI : 10.56831/PSSRP-07-250

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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 and multifunctional excipients are driving the future of personalized and precision oral drug delivery, with new developments and possibilities for customized therapeutic regimens. In summary, ODT technology is evolving as a versatile and clinically relevant technology that fills therapeutic and patient needs that are lacking.

Keywords: Orally disintegrating tablets; Formulation of taste masking; Patient centered drug delivery; Biopharmaceutical considerations of taste masking; 3D printing

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