Tablet Manufacturing FAQs

What colors can I use to coat my tablets?

In theory, you can use any color that has a pantone. Where this can get tricky is with colors that rely on a shiny appearance (like gold or silver).

Why is Enteric Coating more commonly used on tablets than capsules?

Because of the materials used during the enteric coating process, a hazy film or residue is apparent on the finished pill. When this coating is applied to capsules, it creates an unpleasant haze that you or your customers may find to be odd. There are also alternatives provided by companies, like Capsugel, that offer capsules that are designed to dissolve in the intestines and bypass the stomach.

When should a dietary supplement be manufactured as a tablet versus a capsule?

There are several factors to take into consideration when determining the delivery method of your product. One is certainly the size of the formula. Other factors can vary from the function of the product (i.e. chewable tablet, sublingual tablet, etc.) and in some cases marketing purposes like custom tooling, punches and designs on the tablet.

Why do some tablets have a line down the middle?

The line you might find on some tablets is called a Score. The purpose of the score is to allow the tablet to be broken in half if the dosage calls for it. If your product does not have a score, you may want to advise your customers not to break the tablet in half without consulting with you, the brand, or their physician first. In some cases (i.e. the tablet is a slow release formula), breaking the tablet in half could be hazardous.

Why did my vitamins appear to darken in color and have a spotted look, almost like freckles?

Tablets oxidize over time. Depending on the formulation, some may oxidize more rapidly than others.

Why do tablets flake or fall apart?

This is most likely a stability issue. Due to various factors, tablets can degrade because of time, moisture, light or temperature. While these factors play a role in stability, each formula has its own unique shelf life. This shelf life can only be truly determined by real time stability. Accelerated stability can help simulate the shelf life, but has not been shown to be 100% accurate in determining a product shelf life.

What is the difference between disintegration time and dissolution time?

Disintegration time is the amount of time it takes a tablet to break down. Dissolution time is the time it takes for the broken down tablet to dissolve in your stomach or intestine.

Why are some tablet products packaged in glass bottles?

Glass bottles are ideal for either marketing purposes or to serve as a protective barrier. In some cases (either formula-related or pressure-related), a plastic bottle can implode and ruin a product's appearance. Glass is a great way to combat this issue, as in many cases, the product is not damaged or inferior.

What does wet granulation mean?

Wet granulation is the process of adding a liquid solution to powders and involves the massing of a mix of dry primary powder using a granulating fluid. The fluid contains a solvent that must be volatile so that it can be removed by drying. It must also be non-toxic. The purpose of wet granulation is to increase the particle size so the materials are more stable and easier to work with. It can also improve the shelf life, longevity, and stability of the finished product.