抄録
Orally disintegrating tablets are generally highly hygroscopic and less resistant to physical damage than other types of tablets. In consideration of this, we examined orally disintegrating brotizolam tablets (D tablets), for damage sustained in dispensing using an automatic packaging machine as well as for changes in form and color after being packaged in the cassette. There was no damage to or changes in the form or color of the D tablets due to the automatic packaging machine, suggesting that it is strong enough for daily dispensing using such machines.
We also conducted a questionnaire survey of inpatients taking D tablets to find out how useful they were. Only 26% of the 62 inpatients surveyed took the D tablet without water because many of them were taking other drugs simultaneously. We therefore assumed that the D tablet would be useful when taken as a single drug in elderly and other patients in whom there are restrictions on water intake. There was no difference in numbers of patients who wished to continue taking the D tablet and the ordinary brotizolam tablet.
In conclusion, the D tablet appears to be as resistant as other types of tablets to unit dose packaging, and it should be selected in favour of the ordinary tablet in accordance with the preference and condition of each patient. With a view to improving QOL and patient compliance, pharmacists should provide the necessary information on such tablets.
