What is the primary purpose of fillers/diluents in tablet formulation?

Fillers, also known as diluents, play a critical role in tablet formulation by increasing the overall size and volume of the tablet. This is particularly important because many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are used in very small amounts and may not have sufficient bulk on their own to create a workable tablet. By adding fillers, manufacturers can produce tablets that are easier to handle, process, and swallow for patients.

Additionally, fillers help achieve a uniform distribution of the drug throughout the tablet, ensuring consistent dosing. The increased size can also facilitate more efficient production during tablet compression, as smaller quantities of material would be harder to manage and could lead to inconsistencies in the tablet weight and dosage.

While other options like enhancing drug absorption, providing flavoring, or acting as preservatives are essential in their own contexts, they do not specifically relate to the primary function of fillers in tablet formulations. Fillers are primarily regarded for their ability to modify the physical properties of the tablets to improve handling and patient compliance.