What formulation technique is most commonly used to prepare solid dosage forms for oral administration?

The most commonly used formulation technique to prepare solid dosage forms for oral administration is compression. This method involves applying mechanical pressure to a powder mixture, which results in the formation of compacted tablets. Compression allows for a uniform distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients, ensuring consistent dosing, which is critical for therapeutic efficacy.

Tablets produced through compression can be designed to have various release profiles, such as immediate-release or controlled-release formulations, enabling tailored patient treatment options. The stability and hardiness of tablets can also be enhanced through this process, making them suitable for storage and patient use.

While techniques like filtration, spray drying, and extrusion can also play roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing, they are generally more relevant for specific applications, such as separating solids from liquids, producing fine drug particles, or preparing certain formulations like granules or sustained-release products, rather than primarily forming solid dosage forms for oral administration. This makes compression the principal technique for tablet formulation in the pharmaceutical industry.