Effervescent tablets: a safe and practical delivery system for drug administration

Abstract

Effervescence is defined as the evolution of gas bubbles from a liquid as a result of a chemical reaction. For medicinal use, effervescent tablets have specific characteristics that allow rapid adsorption of the intended drug. In this manner, a medication can be absorbed easily and effectively if it dissolves easily in water and is present at a sufficient dose. Common acids utilized for effervescent reactions are citric, malic, tartaric, adipic and fumaric acids. Citric acid is most commonly used for this application, which also adds a citrus-like taste to the products. Tartaric, adipic and fumaric acids are usually used in small amounts, due to their low water solubility. Effervescent tablets are used to simplify the handling of doses, provide optimal compatibility, promote superior and rapid absorption, increase a patient's liquid intake and circumvent the difficulty of swallow- ing large pills. This review defines effervescent tablets in terms of the technology and describes the advantages and disadvantages.