Comprimidas

Comprimidas, commonly referred to as tabletas, are a solid dosage form obtained by compressing powders that contain an active pharmaceutical ingredient together with excipients into a hard, cohesive unit. They are primarily designed for oral administration, though some are prepared for sublingual, buccal, or other routes.

A typical tablet contains an active ingredient plus excipients such as diluents or fillers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, and colorants. Coatings may be added for taste masking, protection from the stomach, or controlled release. Manufacturing involves precise weighing, blending, and compression using a tablet press, followed by coating or film coating when appropriate.

Common types of comprimidas include immediate-release tablets, which dissolve quickly in the stomach; extended-release or controlled-release tablets, which release the drug over time; enteric-coated tablets that resist stomach acid; chewable or dispersible tablets designed to be chewed or dissolved in water; and effervescent tablets that dissolve in liquid before ingestion. Some tablets are designed for special routes, such as sublingual or vaginal applications.

Quality and regulatory aspects focus on uniformity of content, consistent weight, mechanical strength, and appropriate disintegration and dissolution times. Standards are set by pharmacopeias and national regulatory authorities to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. Packaging, labeling, and storage requirements—such as protecting from moisture and heat—are also regulated.

Advantages of comprimidas include accurate dosing, stability, convenience, and convenient packaging. Limitations can involve swallowing difficulties, taste issues, and potential interactions with food or other medicines. They remain one of the most common and versatile solid dosage forms in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements.