What is one characteristic feature of tablets as a dosage form?

Tablets are characterized by their solid, compact structure, which is achieved through a process known as compression. During tablet manufacturing, a mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients (inactive substances that serve as carriers for the active ingredients) is compressed into a defined shape, usually round or oval. This pressing into a compact form not only aids in the stability and integrity of the dosage unit but also allows for precision in dosing and ease of handling and administration.

The ability to create tablets through such mechanical processes means that they can be produced efficiently and in large quantities, making them a popular dosage form in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Other characteristics that follow from this compact nature include controlled release of the active ingredient, facilitating easier swallowing compared to larger solid forms.

In contrast, other options suggest characteristics that do not apply to tablets. Tablets are not liquid, do not consist solely of active ingredients (they include excipients), and can be produced at room temperature without necessarily requiring heat as an essential part of their formation process.