Subdivision of modified-release Tablets: state-of-the-art and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Tablet splitting is a practice disseminated among health professionals for dose adjustments, swallowing facilitation or even treatment cost reduction. Nevertheless, tablets not designed for this purpose cause imprecise dosage and stability loss with important therapeutic repercussions. Novel technologies of modified drug release tablets have come to market including new materials and innovative production processes, for example, polymeric matrix, orodispersible, 3D printing, MUPs, etc. The heterogeneity and complexity of these tablets go well beyond a traditional gastroresistant coating tablet, making orientations on the practice of tablet subdivision difficult. This editorial aims to provide a critical and up-to-date evaluation of this scenario based on the most recent studies involving the subdivision of modified-release tablets.

Keywords:

• dose variation
• modified-release tablets
• multilayer tablets
• multiple-unit particulate system
• orally disintegrating tablets
• stability
• sustained-release tablets
• tablets subdivision
• therapy personalization

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors acknowledge the financial support of CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brazil), CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brazil) and FAPDF (Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Distrito Federal, Brazil). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.