superdisintegrant

A superdisintegrant is an inactive ingredient used in solid dosage forms, such as tablets, to facilitate their rapid breakdown into smaller fragments after administration. This rapid disintegration is crucial for improving the dissolution rate of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and subsequently enhancing its bioavailability. Superdisintegrants are typically added to tablet formulations at low concentrations, usually between 2% and 10% by weight.

The mechanism by which superdisintegrants function is primarily related to their ability to swell significantly upon contact with water. This swelling creates internal stresses within the tablet matrix, leading to the rapid fragmentation of the dosage form. Some superdisintegrants also exhibit wicking, which is the absorption of water into the tablet, further contributing to the disintegration process.

Commonly used superdisintegrants include crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, and sodium starch glycolate. Each of these has a unique chemical structure and swelling behavior, allowing formulators to select the most appropriate one based on the specific API and desired release profile. The choice of superdisintegrant can also be influenced by factors such as compressibility, flowability, and compatibility with other excipients in the formulation.

The use of superdisintegrants is particularly beneficial for poorly soluble drugs, as their rapid disintegration helps to increase the surface area available for dissolution. This can lead to faster absorption and a more consistent therapeutic effect. They are also employed in orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), which are designed to dissolve in the mouth within seconds without the need for water.