To achieve a low dose drug tablet, which type of excipient is most appropriate?

In the context of formulating a low dose drug tablet, diluents are the most appropriate excipients. Diluents, also known as fillers, are used to increase the bulk of a tablet formulation while maintaining an acceptable size for ease of handling, swallowing, and stability. They are particularly essential when dealing with low dose active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) because these ingredients may not provide sufficient mass or volume to create tablets of a practical size for patients.

When formulating a low dose tablet, the diluent allows for an optimal balance between the API and the excipient, making it possible to achieve the necessary tablet dimensions without compromising the dosage. Common diluents include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and starch, which also possess suitable flow and compression properties.

Other excipients like binders are used primarily to hold the formulation together, ensuring tablet integrity during manufacturing and handling, but they do not significantly contribute to the overall volume of the tablet. Coating agents are intended for protection, branding, or controlled release of the dosage form rather than influencing tablet size in relation to low dose active ingredients. Disintegrants serve to accelerate the breakdown of the tablet upon ingestion, facilitating the release of the API, but they do not contribute to the bulk