Different Types of Tablets: A Complete FAQ Guide in 2025

1.What do you know about tablets?

Tablets-Picture Courtesy: auroracompoundingpharma.rx.com

Tablets are solid form of medication. They are used widely because they are easy to use. Tablets are in a compressed form, which are formed through proper process. Tablets have different shapes, sizes and weight depend on the raw materials used.Approximately 70% of the medications are sold or made in form of tablets.

Tablets are of different types depend on their specialize functions and making process. The way of taking tablets are different. Some are chewed, some are dissolve in water or put under tongue for better effectiveness.

Additionally, in order to minimize the gastrointestional issue, protection from external harsh conditions and to give them flavor, tablets might be coated. Due to tablets, wide range of illness from mild pain to chronic problems are diagnose. So, they are important in healthcare.

2.What do you know about different types of tablets?

You might think that tablets can be different in sizes and shapes but can be use these different tablets at the same time for any cure. Then here you are wrong. Different types of tablets are being make for their designed functions.

There are different types of tablets depend upon their use and formation. So here are the commonly known types.

Based on disintegration

On the basis of disintegration, tablets are divided in following tablets

Immediate release tablets

Immediate release tablets are made to dissolve rapidly upon oral intake.  These tablets dissolve quickly in stomach, enabling the tablets to enter bloodstream and stated working as intended right away.

Extended-release tablets

Extended-Release Tablet-Picture Courtesy: umppharmaceutical.com

as the name indicate, extended-release tablets release active ingredients over a extended period of time. These kinds of tablets keep the level of tablets ingredients balance in blood stream.

Delayed release tablets

Equate Omeprazole Delayed-Release Tablets-Picture Courtesy:   ipharmachine.com

In order to avoid stomach, these kinds of tablets dissolve in intestine because to shield the tablets from stomach acid. Delayed release tablets not dissolve immediately but after predetermined time.

Based on administration oral tablets

Based on mode of administration, oral tablets are divided into following categories. Here is the detail classification.

Chewable tablets

Chewable tablets-Picture Courtesy: sagarmedpharm.com

Chewable tablets are in solid form which are meant to be chewed. These tablets are taken by people who have difficulty in swallowing other tablets, for elderly people and children.

Chewable tablets have flavored to make it testable for patient to be in easy use. These tablets are used for vitamins, painkillers and antacid.

These tablets dissolve in mouth for quick absorption.

Sublingual tablets

Sublingual tablet delivery-Picture Courtesy: zimlabs.com

Sublingual tablets are small in size. These tablets are designed in such way that they are put under the tongue or in a cheek pouch. However, sublingual tablets are then easily entering the blood stream because bundle of small veins beneath the tongue allow the medical substances in these tablets to enter.

Effervescent tablets

Dissolving effervescent tablet

if you have difficulty in chewing or swallowing tablets then effervescent tablets are the best use for you. Effervescent tablets are dissolve in water or in other liquids. these tablets dissolve quickly when comes in contact with liquid solutions.

Lozenges tablets

Lozenges tablets

Lozenges tablets are designed to disintegrate in mouth. These tablets are used when there are throat infections and for cough.

Buccal tablets

Position of Buccal Tablet

buccal tablets are positioned between gums and cheeks, where they breakdown gradually. These tablets are directly absorbed in blood stream and bypass the stomach.

Based on composition

Following is the classification of tablets on the basis of tablets.

Sugar coated tablets

Sugar Coated Tablets-Picture Courtesy: Teletype.com

Sugar coated tablets are coated with sweet taste to make it easier use for people who want to avoid bitter taste of tablets. Sugar coat protect inside active ingredients from external unwanted conditions, shielding bitter taste, and control release of medication. Most of the individuals go to their use due to its sweet taste.

Film- coated tablets

Film Coated tablets of various shapes and sizes-Picture Courtesy: aipakpharma.com

Film coated tablets have thin coating. These tablets are light weighted and sizes are moderate, not too big. To provide the safe and effective absorption in digestive tract, most film-coated tablets are made for delayed medication release.

Multi layered tablets

Multilayer tablets-Picture Courtesy: outsourcedpharma.com

Have you ever thought why some tablets have two or more layers?

Multi-layer tablets are made of two or more layers. Each are made of different ingredients and specialized for different functions. Some layers may release the medication over time while some dissolve easily.

Compressed tablets

Compressed tablets

By compressing of powder and granules, compressed tablets are formed. These tablets come in variety of shapes and sizes. Compressed tablets are commonly used tablets.

Orodispersible tablets

Orodispersible tablets are made to dissolve in mouth. This is for people who have difficulty in swallowing tablets.

Special purpose tablets

There are tablets out there for special purpose. Special purpose tablets are made to address particular therapeutic demands.

Hormonal tablets

Hormonal tablets are used to regulate hormones. If you are facing hormonal imbalance, hormonal tablets are for you.

Diagnostic tablets

As name indicate, diagnostic tablets are used to diagnose disorders such as thyroid disorder, diabetes etc.

Nutraceutical tablets

If your body is facing vitamins and minerals, then you can use nutraceutical tablets but suggestion from doctor is important. Nutraceutical tablets provide vitamins and minerals.

3.Do you know the benefits of different types of tablets?

Different kinds of tablets-Picture Courtesy: themedicinemaker.com

There are different types of tablets and each offer unique benefits. So, lets have a look at their benefits.

Benefits of tablets based on disintegration

Immediate release tablets

Tablets ingredientsquick absorption occur while disintegration occur in stomach

They are perfect for situation where quick relief is needed.

These kinds of tablets are cost effective.

Extended-release tablets

Extended-release tablets have long lasting effects.

These are effective for chronic diseases.

By keeping blood level balance, they enhance treatment compliance

Delayed release tablets

Delayed release tablets avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.

They help to eliminate acid reflux.

Enhance the absorption of several tablets.

Benefits of tablets based on oral administration

Chewable tablets

Chewable tablets are easy to eat.

They are use by elders and children who have difficulty to swallow tablets.

Faster absorption happens because breaking down occur in mouth, no need to go on long process of digestion

Sublingual tablets

Easily absorption of sublingual tablets occurs as absorption occur directly into blood stream when put under tongue

It is easy to be taken.

Sublingual tablets are perfect in emergency condition such heart attack.

Effervescent tablets

Effervescent tablets are consuming easily as these are dissolve in water

As they are dissolved before ingestion so it minimizes the stomach irritation.

For body hydration. These are often use with electrolyte.

Lozenges tablets

These tablets have long lasting effects due to their direct action on problematic sites.

Lozenges tablets are appealing due to its flavor.

These tablets can be use anywhere.

Buccal tablets

Buccal tablets are more effective because these bypass the first-pass metabolism.

These are beneficial for patients with swallowing difficulty.

For long lasting effects, these tablets provide slow release.

Benefits of tablets based on composition

Sugar coated tablets

one of the benefits of sugar-coated tablets is they mask the bitter taste of tablets which are demandable by people who avoid the bitter taste of tablet.

These tablets provide protection to inner substance from moisture and light.

Sugar coated tablets ensure there is no powder residue.

Film-coated tablets

Film coated tablets protect the inner ingredients from external unwanted factors.

they disguise odor and flavor.

They facilitate easier swallowing without harming throat.

Multilayer tablets

When you need tablets for multiple infection or illness diagnose, multiple layer tablets can be use as prescribe.

Because these tablets have multiple drugs in one tablet.

These tablets enhance effectiveness by quick release.

Compressed tablets

Compressed tablets are easily made and commonly use.

Due to their small size, they are easy to take and store.

They can be made for delayed and rapid release.

Orodispersible tablets

They facilitate quick absorption through oral mucosa.

Orodispersible tablets are effective in condition like migraine.

They are ideal for people with swallowing difficulty.

Benefits of Special purpose tablets

Hormonal tablets

Body facing hormonal deficiency is treated by hormonal tablets

Manage inflammatory conditions such as corticosteroids.

Hormonal tablets are useful for fertility treatment.

Diagnostic tablets

For specialized tests such as fluorescein for eye disorder.

To improve imaging result, barium sulfate, a diagnostic tablet, is used.

This tablet is use to treat thyroid disorder.

Nutraceutical tablets

This is use to treat health problems due to vitamins deficiency

To improve heart and brain health, nutraceutical tablets are use.

For joint health, this is beneficial.

4.What are the sizes and shapes of different types of tablets?

You may come across different shapes and sizes of different types of tablets. And have you ever wondered why tablets come in so many sizes and shapes? On the market different shapes and sizes of tablets are available from round, oval, rectangle, or kidney shapes.

Here are the sizes and shapes of different types of tablets.

Size and Shape of tablets based on disintegration

Immediate release tablets

Immediate Release Tablets Shape-Picture Courtesy: drugdiscoveryanddevelopment.com

shape of immediate release tablets is oval and round in shape which makes the tablet taking easily. Immediate release tablets are available in 5mm to 12mm ranges in size.

Extended-release tablets

Extended-release tablets are available in multilayer and capsule shaped. These are little bit large range from 8mm to 20mm.

Delayed release tablets

Some delayed release tablets have biconvex design. They are oval and round in shape. They are varying in size from medium to large such as from 7mm to 18mm.

Size and shape of tablets based on oral administration

Chewable tablets

Kids Chewable tablets

Chewable tablets are meant for chewing no swallowing. So, their size is not big nor small, but are in size that is easy to be chewed. Size of Chewable tablets range from 8mm to 18mm in diameter.

Chewable tablets are oval, round in shape for easy to handle, or disc shape. Chewable tablets for kids often come in animals or fruits shape.

Sublingual tablets

Sublingual Mecobalamin Tablets

Sublingual tablets are small in size ranges from 2mm to 8mm.

To rapid absorption beneath the tongue, these tablets are round and flat in shape.

Effervescent tablets

Effervescent tablets are large in size ranges from 15mm to 30mm. these tablets are flat and circular in shape. Effervescent tablets are large because they are meant to dissolve in water and hold large active ingredients.

Lozenges tablets

Lozenges tablets are made in oval, disc-shape, and round shapes. They are large in size. the size ranges from 10mm to 20mm.

Buccal tablets

Buccal tablets are oval and round in shape. They are small in size, range from 5mm to 10mm, making it possible to chew between gums and cheeks.

Sizes and shapes of tablets based on composition

Sugar coated tablets

Round Sugar-Coated Tablets-Picture Courtesy: aipakpharma.com

Due to usage of active ingredients, sugar coated tablets come on market from medium to large, size ranges from 7mm to 15mm. sugar coated tablets are in round and oval shapes. These tablets have glossy appearance because of sugar coating.

Film-coated tablets

size of film coated tablets ranges from 5mm to 20mm. small size of these tablets are easy for swallowing. Size of film-coated tablets are not because of thin upper coating. These tablets have variety of shapes from oval, round to capsule shape.

Multilayered tablets

Multilayered Tablets-Picture Courtesy: Tableting.com

Multilayered tablets have two or more layers and each layer have different color and release mechanism. The size varies, ranging from 8mm to 20mm. Multilayered tablets are in oval, capsule or round shape.

Compressed tablets

Compressed tablets are formed under high pressure. Their size varies ranges from 5mm to 20mm. compressed tablets are in oval, round and capsule shaped.

Orodispersible tablets

Orodispersible tablets are flat, biconvex and round in shape. They are small in size range from 8mm to 12mm, which make it capable to dissolve in mouth easily.

Shape and size of tablets of special purpose tablets

Hormonal tablets

Hormonal tablets are oval and round in shape. These are small in size.

Diagnostic tablets

These tablets are oval and round in shape. Their size ranges from medium to large.

Nutraceutical tablets

These kinds of tablets are round, oval and oblong in shape. Depends on vitamins content, size ranges from small to large.

5.What raw materials are used to make different types of tablets?

Raw Materials of Different Types of Medicines-Picture Courtesy: therahealth.com

Did you know that how tablets you take daily are made?  Raw materials are used to make different types of tablets. Followings below are the raw materials use to make different types of tablets.

Raw materials of tablets based on disintegration

Immediate release tablets

Lactose powder

Key ingredients or raw materials to make immediate release tablets are API, binders such as povidone to hold tablet together and diluent such as lactose. To make it disintegrated tablets, disintegrants such as starch is used.

Extended-release tablets

To stabilize the tablet, Stabilizer such as magnesium stearate and to safe the stomach from drug release, enteric coated polymer such as methacrylic acid copolymers.

Delayed release tablets&nbsp

Delayed release tablets contain API. Osmotic agent such sodium chloride, gelling agent such as xanthan gum is used to form the delayed release tablets.

Raw materials of tablets based on oral administration

Chewable tablets

Sorbitol Pack

Chewable tablets are being make using good quality of ingredients to make it easily chewed, good taste, and smooth texture.

The key components are active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) which divers the therapeutic action. API are used in tablets to prevent diseases. These are either chemically made or derived from plats and animals naturally. Fillers and sweeteners such as Mannitol and sorbitol are use to give them a smooth texture. Mint or others are used as flavoring agent to cover up the bad pleasant of the ingredients. Gelatin or gum acacia used as a binder to retain the tablets shape.

Sublingual tablets

Granulated Sweetener Aspartame-Based Table-Top Sweetener

Sublingual tablets are meant to use under the tongue which dissolve rapidly into blood stream directly from there. The ingredients which are responsible for sublingual tablets dissolutions are sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and crospovidone. To maintain the tablet structure, fillers such as mannitol and lactose are used. To improve taste flavoring agents such as aspartame is used.

Effervescent tablets

Effervescent tablet-Picture Courtesy: simplysuplements.com

Effervescent tablets are dissolve in water. Effervescent agents which enable the fizzing reaction in water are used such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. To give smooth texture to the tablets, fillers such as lactose and sorbitol are used. To hold tablet together, binders such as starch is used. Flavoring agents such as aspartame and fruit extracts are used to add flavor to effervescent tablets.

Lozenges tablets

To control dissolution, gelatin is used. PVP is use to maintain tablet integrity. To add flavor to tablet, flavoring agent such as menthol is added.

Buccal tablets

Binders like PVP (Polyvinylpyrrolidone) and diluents like lactose is use as a raw materials to make buccal tablets.

Raw materials of tablets based on composition

Sugar coated tablets

Liquid Glucose Syrup

Sugar coated tablets have sweet and protective outer shell which is made from sucrose and glucose syrups which enhance flavor of tablets and protect the tablets from harsh environmental factors. Coloring additives like titanium dioxide are use to make tablets appearance attractive. Fillers such as lactose and starch are used to give them structure. Binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and acacia gum is use to hold tablet together.

Film coated tablets

Ethyl Cellulose Powder

To protect the tablet, film coated tablets are made of polymer-based compound such as ethyl cellulose. Fillers like starch and microcrystalline cellulose are used to maintain the tablet integrity. Binders such as hydroxypropyl cellulose is used to hold the internal ingredients of tablets together.

Multilayered tablets

Multilayered tablets require carefully selected raw materials for their specialize functions. Each layer has API, provide different therapeutic effect. To preserve the tablet structure, fillers such as dicalcium phosphate and lactose are utilized. Each layer is held together with binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Compressed tablets

Compressed Tablets

To keep the tablet from dissolving before consumption, binder materials such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and paste of starch is used. Fillers such as lactose and dicalcium phosphate are used to keep these tablets in compressed for.

Orodispersible tablets

Diluent such as lactose and sweetener such aspartame is use. Crospovidone is use for its quick dissolution.

Raw materials for special purpose tablets

Hormonal tablets

Different hormonal tablets are made from different raw materials. But every hormonal tablets require API, excipients, diluents and protective agent.

Diagnostic tablets

Diagnostic tablets require fillers such as lactose, binder such as gelatin, lubricant such as talc.

Nutraceutical tablets

Fillers such as microcrystalline cellulose, binder such as acacia gum, vitamin Cand A , folic acid.

6.What is the packaging option for different types of tablets?

you may have seen that different types of tablets are packed in variety of packages such as blisters, bottles, sachet and strip packaging. Different types of tablets are being package in order to prevent them from moisture, light, rapid dissolution and from germs.

So, lets explore the packaging options for different types of tablets.

Packaging options for tablets based on disintegration

Packaging options for tablets based on disintegration

Immediate release tablets

Blister packaging

Immediate release tablets are pack in blister packs to keep tablets safe from moisture.

Glass bottles packaging

Some of the tablets are light sensitive, so bottles are preferable to keep tablets safe .

Extended-release tablets

Aluminum blister packaging

Aluminum blisters are made from aluminum which protect tablets from contamination.

PET bottles

PET bottles are use to store large quantity of extended release tablets. PET bottles have silica gel.

Delayed release tablets

Sachet packaging

Sachets are in small and large in size which store lots of tablets.

PET bottles packaging

PET bottles are use to pack delayed release tablets. PET bottles come in various size.

Packaging options for tablets based on oral administration

Chewable tablets packaging options:

A special packaging is requiring to preserve the chewable tablets. Here are the following packaging options of chewable tablets.

Blister packaging

Blister Packs Of Chewable Tablets

One of the popular packaging options for chewable tablets is blister packaging. Blister package is made from aluminum foil and PVC and PVDC.

Bottle packaging

Chewable Vitamin Tablets Bottles

Chewable tablets are stored in bottles. These bottles are made of plastic or glass. Some chewable tablets are preferable to store in bottles to make them safe from Childs.

Strip packaging

Strip pack

You may have seen that some chewable tablets are package in strip packet. In strip packaging chewable tablets are wrapped in separate plastic or aluminum film. This is preferable for you if you are travelling and need individual tablets at one time.

Sublingual tablets packaging options:

The packaging options for sublingual tablets are:

Blister packaging

Sublingual tablets are packed in blister package. This is done to maintain its capability of dissolving, to protect from air, moisture and from contamination.

Alu-Alu (aluminum-aluminum) packaging

Aluminum Foil Pack

In Alu-Alu packaging, there are two layers of aluminum foil. As sublingual tablets have ingredients of moisture sensitive, then this packaging is ideal.

Sachet packaging

Sachet `of Sublingual Tablet-Picture Courtesy: trendyol.com

Sublingual tablets can be pack in sachet packaging. Sachet are made from foil and laminated material. There are small sachets which prevent multiples tablets from exposure to environment once open.

Effervescent tablets packaging options

As these tablets are made to dissolve in water. However, a special packaging is needed to preserve their effervescent nature. Let’s have a look at following packaging.

Blister packaging

Blister packaging secure tablet till it is use.  This protect the effervescent nature of effervescent tablets by shield them from humidity.

Aluminum tube packaging

Typically, effervescent tablets come in sealed aluminum tubes with moisture absorbing lids.  These are convenient for travel.

Sachet packaging

Sachet packaging is easy taking for people while traveling. This maintain the potency and stability of tablets.

Lozenges tablets packaging

Blister packaging

Lozenges tablets are packed in blister packs which are stored in separate blister.

Strips packaging

Strips packs are made from plastic. Strip packaging store lozenges individually.

Plastic jars

Plastic jars protect large quantity of lozenges tablets.

Buccal tablets packaging

Blister packaging

Blister packs prevent buccal tablets from moisture, air and light. So, blister packaging is good option.

Unit dose pouches

Unit dose pouches is ideal while travelling because it store small amount of tablets.

Packaging options for tablets based on composition

Sugar coated tablets packaging options

To protect the sugar-coated layer, sugar coated tablets require special packaging. Following below are the packaging options for sugar coated tablets

Strip packaging

Each tablet is individually packed in strip packaging. These packaging protect the sugar-coated layer from humidity.

Blister packaging

Blister Packs of Sugar-Coated Packs-Picture Courtesy: sedpharma.com

Blister packaging wraps the tablet in cavity. Blister pack provide these tablets environment to protect them from sticking

Bottles packaging

Bottles store lots of tablets at a time. Most of the bottles contain moisture-absorbing packets.

Film coated tablets packaging options

To protect the thin polymer coating, following below are the packaging options for film coated tablets.

Blister packaging

Blisters are made from PVC and PVDC which protect the thin coating of film coated tablets.

PET bottles packaging

PET Bottles

Polyethyleneteraphthalate (PET) bottles are high quality bottles. These bottles store large quantity of tablets.  PET bottles protect the film-coated surface.

Sachet packaging

Sachet has air and moisture resistance quality. However, protect the film coated tablets from degradation and save their integrity.

Multilayered tablets packaging options

Have you ever thought that what will be the packaging options for multilayered tablets due to its multiple ingredients’ layers? So, here are the packaging options for multilayered tablets.

Blister packaging

Multilayered Tablets of Paracetamol   

Blister packaging intact the stability and integrity of various layers of multilayered tablets. Every tablet is individually wrap to ensure their sanitary.

PET bottle packaging

To prevent layers separation, PET bottles are good option for multilayered tablets.

Sachet packaging

Sachet comes in small and large size. Multilayered tablets can pack in sachet to preserve its layer stability.

Compressed tablets packaging options:

Following below are the packaging options of compressed tablets.

Strip packaging

Compressed tablets are pack in strips. Each compressed tablet is isolated from other in strip packaging. Strip packs are easy to store and transport.

Sachet packaging

Sachet keeps the tablets fresh. Sachet comes in various size, small or large, to store compressed tablets of various quantity.

Blister packaging

Blister packaging is commonly used packaging for compressed tablets. Each compressed tablet is pack in blister packs.

Orodispersible tablets

Alu-Alu blister packaging

This is made from aluminum which protect orodispersible tablets from moisture.

Strip packaging

strip packaging packs the fast-dissolving tablets and ideal for single dose packaging.

Packaging options for special purpose tablets

Hormonal tablets

Birth Control Tablets

Blister packaging

Hormonal tablets such as thyroid and birth control tablets are pack in blister packs.

Bottles packaging

Hormonal tablets are stored in bottles to protect from external environment.

Diagnostic tablets

Amber glass bottles

Iodine solution-Picture Courtesy: coleparmer.in.com

Light sensitive tablets are preserved in amber glass bottles. Iodine 131 tablets are stored in diagnostic tablets.

PET bottles

Large quantity of these tablets is store in PET bottles.

Nutraceutical tablets

Blister packaging

Vitamin D tablets are stored in blister packs to keep them safe from moisture.

Sachet packaging

These packs are for single dose tablets of nutraceutical.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap up this detail guide about different types of tablets. For selecting the effective and safe tablets, knowing different types of tablets are necessary. From chewable to compressed tablets, each different types of tablets offer distinguished and specialized purpose. To ensure the patient compliance, safety and effectiveness, it is important to know the raw materials. If you want to know more about tablets, then visit our website.