How to Use Dispersible Tablets
Dispersible tablets should be placed in a small amount of water (typically 5-10 mL) and allowed to disintegrate completely before administration, creating a suspension that can be swallowed immediately without chewing. 1
Administration Methods
Water-Dispersible Tablets
- Add the tablet to water and wait for complete disintegration (typically 17-40 seconds depending on formulation) before swallowing the resulting suspension 1, 2
- Use a small volume of water to ensure the patient receives the full dose 1
- Do not attempt to swallow the tablet whole or chew it, as this defeats the purpose of the dispersible formulation 1
- The suspension should be consumed immediately after preparation to prevent settling or degradation 1
Orodispersible Tablets (ODTs)
- Place the tablet directly on the tongue without water and allow it to disintegrate instantaneously in the mouth 2
- The tablet will dissolve or disperse in saliva within seconds (typically 17 seconds for optimized formulations) 2
- Swallow the resulting mixture without the need for additional water 2
- Do not chew or crush the tablet 2
Key Clinical Considerations
Patient Selection
- Dispersible tablets are particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets, including pediatric patients, elderly patients, and those with dysphagia 2
- These formulations can significantly improve bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs by enhancing dissolution rates 2, 3
Safety Precautions
- Verify that the patient understands the correct administration method through direct demonstration and teach-back 4
- Confirm the patient is not taking additional doses of the same medication in other formulations to avoid duplication 5
- For patients using compliance aids (dosettes), ensure proper filling and regular monitoring, as filling errors are common and potentially dangerous 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never crush or chew dispersible tablets unless specifically instructed, as this can alter drug release characteristics 4
- Do not allow the dispersed suspension to sit for extended periods before administration 1
- Ensure patients do not confuse dispersible tablets with modified-release formulations, which have different administration requirements 4