Orally disintegrating tablets and orally disintegrating mini tablets - novel dosage forms for pediatric use

The oral administration route is considered to be the most widely used route because of its convenience of administration and manufacturing. Dosage forms, like orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), mini tablets, and orally disintegrating mini tablets (ODMTs), are recognized as promising for use in pediatric patients. ODTs are known to be suitable drug delivery systems, especially for pediatric patients, because of their rapid disintegration properties, use without water, and no swallowing problems. In addition, in recent years, a new formulation approach has been developed. ODMTs, are the newest drug delivery systems. They combine the advantageous properties of ODTs and the small size of mini tablets, aimed for pediatric use. These tablets, which can be formulated as 2-4 mm in diameter, are known as drug delivery systems that have children acceptability age as low as 6-months old. The fact that the ODTs and the ODMTs can be formulated with acceptable flavors for children further increases the importance of these carrier systems in the treatment. The objective of this article is to highlight the development of ODTs and mini-ODTs, their significance, ideal characteristics, various techniques, and aspects related to design and formulation, marketed preparations, and future perspectives, especially for the pediatric patients.