A tablet is usually a compressed preparation that contains:
*5-10% of the drug (active substance);
*80% of fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, glidants, and binders; and
*10% of compounds which ensure easy disintegration, disaggregation, and dissolution of the tablet in the stomach or the intestine.
The dissolution time can be modified for a rapid effect or for sustained release.
Special coatings can make the tablet resistant to the stomach acids such that it only disintegrates in the duodenum, jejunum and colon as a result of enzyme action or alkaline pH.
Pills can be coated with sugar, varnish, or wax to disguise the taste.