What is the purpose of anti-adherents in tablet preparation?

The purpose of anti-adherents in tablet preparation primarily revolves around preventing adhesion during the compaction process. Anti-adherents, such as magnesium stearate or talc, are added to the formulation to reduce friction between the tablet and the compaction equipment, thereby minimizing the risk of materials sticking together. When powders adhere to the punches or die during tablet compression, it can lead to defects such as capping, lamination, or irregular tablet shapes. By preventing this adhesion, anti-adherents help ensure a smooth manufacturing process and improve the overall quality of the final product, allowing for more uniform tablets in terms of size and weight. This is crucial in maintaining consistency and efficacy in pharmaceutical formulations.