A Comprehensive Review of the Formulation and Evaluation of Fast-Dissolving Antihistamine Tablets Using Superdisintegrants

Abstract

Fast-dissolving tablets, commonly referred to as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs), are innovative solid oral dosage forms designed to disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity following contact with saliva, generally without the need for additional water. These dosage forms have gained considerable attention because they offer convenience, ease of administration, and potential improvement in patient compliance, particularly among pediatric, geriatric, and dysphagic populations. Antihistamines are widely used for the management of allergic disorders, including allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and other histamine-mediated conditions. Incorporating antihistaminic drugs into fast-dissolving tablets may provide a convenient dosage form and, depending on the drug's physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, may facilitate rapid drug dissolution and onset of action. Superdisintegrants are critical formulation components that promote rapid tablet breakup through mechanisms such as swelling, wicking, capillary action, and strain recovery. Commonly employed superdisintegrants include crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, sodium starch glycolate, and low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose. The type and concentration of superdisintegrant, together with tablet porosity, compression force, excipient selection, and manufacturing technique, significantly influence tablet disintegration and dissolution. This review discusses the rationale for developing fast-dissolving antihistamine tablets, the role and mechanisms of superdisintegrants, formulation techniques, excipient selection, optimization strategies, and important evaluation parameters. The review also highlights the advantages, challenges, and future prospects of superdisintegrant-based fast-dissolving antihistamine formulations.