A Review of Functional Differences Among Foamed Micro-tablets, Conventional Effervescent Tablets, and Fast-melt Tablets.

Foamed micro-tablets (FMTs) are small-sized effervescent tablets (ETs) that retain many functionalities typically associated with conventional ETs. However, FMTs are not merely miniature versions of ETs; they represent an innovative dosage form that delivers health benefits and offers numerous advantages that traditional ETs cannot provide. Fast-melt tablets (FTs), which may resemble FMTs, are also discussed in comparison with both ETs and FMTs. This review aims to explore the functional similarities and differences among FMTs, conventional ETs, and FTs, as well as the mechanisms underlying these variations. For example, FMTs have a higher active load and a quicker release of active ingredients than FTs due to their higher specific surface area (SSA). FMTs can also combine incompatible actives into a single dose, delivering synergistic health benefits from a mixture of different tablets. Multiple means of consumption are another key and distinct attribute of FMTs, as they can be consumed either by dissolving in water and drinking or by taking them directly to the mouth. In contrast, ETs can only be consumed after complete disintegration in water, whereas FTs are taken directly in the mouth. It is also noted that FTs disintegrate more quickly than FMTs and ETs, which are easier for people with swallowing difficulties. The mechanism for rapid disintegration of FTs is quite different: the dry tablet is placed in the mouth, where it disintegrates rapidly. This is primarily due to the use of superdisintegrants in the base FT formulation rather than the effervescent mix used in ETs and FMPs. This paper provides a detailed examination of the advantages and limitations of FMTs, ETs, and FTs, providing the first comprehensive review of these three dosage forms.