SUPERDISINTEGRANTS: A BIRD'S EYEVIEW

Disintegrants and superdisintegrants are used in tablets and capsules to ensure that these dosage forms are rapidly broken down into the primary particles to facilitate the dissolution or release of active ingredients. Tablets and capsules which need rapid disintegration, the inclusion of right disintegrant is a prerequisite for optimal bioavailability. Superdisintegrants are used to improve the efficacy of the solid dosage forms. This is achieved by decreasing the disintegration time which in turn enhances drug dissolution rate. Superdisintegrants are generally used in low level in the solid dosage form typically 1-10% by weight relative to the total weight of the dosage unit. Tablet disintegration has received considerable attention is an essential step in obtaining fast drug release. The function of the disintegrants is to oppose the efficiency of the tablet binder and physical factors that act under compression to form the tablet. The superdisintegrants act as a hydrophilic carrier for poorly or water insoluble drugs. There are various natural substances like gum karaya, modified starch, and agar have been used in the formulation of fast disintegrating tablets. This review comprises the various kinds of synthetic and natural superdisintegrants which are being used in the formulation to provide safer, effective drug delivery with patient compliance. Pharmaceutical Sciences