Tablet may be defined as solid, unit pharmaceutical dosage forms containing drug substances, with or without suitable diluents and prepared either by compression or molding method.

I.P defines tablets as “solid, flat, or biconvex discs prepared by compressing a drug or a mixture of drugs with or without suitable diluents. They vary in shape and differ greatly in size and weight, depending on the amount of medicinal substances and the intended mode of administration”.

Advantages:

1. Accuracyof dose
2. Lightestand compact of all oral dosage forms
3. Easiestand cheapest to package and ship
4. Productidentification is the simplest by employing embossed or monogrammed punches
5. Bettersuited for large scale production than other unit oral dosage forms

Disadvantages:

1. Somedrugs cannot be compressed into dense compacts because of their amorphous nature or because of their low density.
2. Drugswith poor wetting, slow dissolution properties or large dosage are difficult or impossible to formulate and manufacture as a
3. Bitter tasting drugs or those with objectionable odour or drugs which are sensitive tomoisture or oxygen, may require encapsulation before compression or tablets may require

Ideal characteristics of a tablet:

1. Abilityto with stand mechanical pressure during production, packaging, dispensing, handling distribution and
2. Freedomfrom defects such as chipping, cracking, specking, discoloration and
3. Chemical,physical and microbiological stability during
4. Correctand precise dose of drug
5. Releaseof drug in a reproducible and predictable manner.
6. Presentsand elegant appearance and good aesthetic