A New Coating System to Ease Swallowability

Colorcon has developed a new coating system, Opadry EZ, to address swallowing difficulties of oral solid dosage forms. Dysphagia is a common problem particularly in the geriatric population. Regulators have issued guidance on the importance of tablet coating, not just for product differentiation purposes, but also to ease swallowing so that patient safety and compliance can be improved.

According to Dr. Ali Rajabi-Siahboomi, vice-president and chief scientific officer at Colorcon, Opadry EZ provides superior slip and significantly reduces the probability of the tablet sticking to the throat or esophagus when compared with other coating formulations.

“Colorcon set out to create a coating product that satisfied both the perception and reality of easier swallowing, with a high gloss finish that adds aesthetic appeal and increased mobility for the tablet,” said Kelly Boyer, general manager, Film Coatings at Colorcon, in a press release. “Opadry EZ is a fully formulated system, simple to prepare and use. Finished tablets are easy to handle when dry, while exhibiting exceptional slip upon contact with water. Above all, this coating addresses the growing need to improve patient acceptability and compliance, by making tablets easier to swallow.”