Tablets are typically coated using which of the following methods?

Tablets are typically coated using a pan coater, which is a widely employed method in the pharmaceutical industry for applying a coating layer onto tablets. The pan coater consists of a rotating drum where tablets are placed. As the drum rotates, a coating solution is sprayed onto the tablets, allowing the coating material to evenly envelop the tablet surface.

The choice of a pan coater is preferred for several reasons. It allows for precise control over the coating process, including the thickness and uniformity of the coat. Additionally, the gentle tumbling action of the tablets minimizes the risk of damage to the tablets during coating. It’s also versatile, accommodating various coating materials such as polymeric and sugar coatings.

In contrast, while methods like fluid bed coating and spray drying serve specific purposes in the manufacturing process, they are not the primary means for direct tablet coating. For example, fluid bed coaters are used for granulation or applying a coating onto smaller particles rather than tablets specifically. An extruder is primarily used for shaping materials and is not commonly associated with tablet coating.

Therefore, the pan coater is recognized as the standard method for tablet coating, combining efficacy and efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing.