Lactose in tablets: Functionality, critical material attributes, applications, modifications and co-processed excipients

Drug Discov Today. 2023 Sep;28(9):103696. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103696. Epub 2023 Jul 5.

Abstract

Lactose is one of the most widespread excipients used in the pharmaceutical industry. Because of its water solubility and acceptable flowability, lactose is generally added into tablet formulation to improve wettability and undesirable flowability. Based on Quality by Design, a better understanding of the critical material attributes (CMAs) of raw materials is beneficial in guiding the improvement of tablet quality and the development of lactose. Additionally, the modifications and co-processing of lactose can introduce more-desirable characteristics to the resulting particles. This review focuses on the functionality, CMAs, applications, modifications and co-processing of lactose in tablets.

Keywords: co-processed excipient; critical material attributes; critical quality attributes; lactose; modification; quality by design; tablet.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Drug Compounding / methods
  • Excipients*
  • Lactose*
  • Solubility
  • Tablets

Substances

  • Excipients
  • Lactose
  • Tablets