Development and Optimization of Dispersible Tablets for NSAIDs: Enhancing Drug Delivery and Patient Compliance

Abstract

Dispersible tablets represent a promising formulation strategy for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aiming to improve drug delivery efficiency and enhance patient compliance. This paper explores the development and optimization of dispersible tablets through systematic formulation strategies, emphasizing the selection of excipients, critical parameters in formulation optimization, and comparative analyses with conventional tablets. The development of dispersible tablets for NSAIDs aims to enhance drug delivery and improve patient compliance, addressing the swallowing difficulties often associated with conventional tablet formulations, particularly in certain patient populations. Dispersible tablets offer a promising solution by quickly dispersing in water, facilitating easier administration. This study focused on formulating dispersible tablets of a selected NSAID using direct compression, with careful selection of excipients to optimize tablet disintegration and dissolution profiles. Quality by Design (QbD) principles guided formulation development, considering critical parameters such as compression force, disintegrant concentration, and lubricant type. Physicochemical characterization revealed that dispersible tablets exhibited rapid disintegration and enhanced dissolution rates compared to conventional tablets. Stability studies demonstrated satisfactory shelf-life under accelerated and long-term storage conditions, while pharmacokinetic studies in animal models indicated improved bioavailability and onset of action of the NSAID from dispersible tablets. The development and optimization of dispersible tablets for NSAIDs represent a significant advancement in pharmaceutical technology, addressing both therapeutic efficacy and patient convenience. These tablets show promise in improving medication adherence and reducing administration-related challenges, and future research should explore further innovations in formulation and scale-up for broader clinical application.