Tablets with improved friability

Abstract

Tablets are prepared with friability reducing agents to yield tablets that are more resistant to breakage or crumbling, but with satisfactory hardness. The friability reducing agents include low molecular weight polyethylene glycol as well as similar agents exhibiting at least three percent (3%) hydroxide moieties and a water solubility of at least eighty percent (80%) (w/w %) in room temperature water. The tablets may comprise an active agent and excipient of almost any type, and about 0.1-about 0.5% by weight friability reducing agent. They exhibit a hardness of at least eighty percent (80%) of the same tablet prepared without the friability reducing agent.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A tablet exhibiting reduced friability, said tablet comprising:
 A) An active agent which is a nutritional product;   B) an excipient compatible with said active agent; and   C) an agent to reduce tablet friability present in amounts of about 0.1%-about 5.0% by weight of the tablet, wherein said friability reducing agent exhibits a solubility in room temperature water of at least eighty percent (80%) (w/w %), wherein said friability reducing agent is comprised of at least three percent (3%) by weight —OH moieties and wherein said tablet comprising said friability reducing agent exhibits a hardness of at least eighty percent (80%) of the hardness exhibited by said tablet prepared in the absence of said friability.   
     
     
         12 . The tablet of  claim 11 , wherein said tablet comprises a medication. 
     
     
         13 . The tablet of  claim 11 , wherein said tablet comprises an effervescent couple which combine to effervesce when moistened. 
     
     
         14 . The tablet of  claim 11  wherein said tablet is at least ¾ inch in diameter. 
     
     
         15 . The tablet of  claim 12 , wherein said medication is a pharmaceutical preparation available with a prescription or an over-the-counter product. 
     
     
         16 . The tablet of  claim 11 , wherein said friability reducing agent is present in amounts of about 0.1-about 1.0% by weight. 
     
     
         17 . The tablet of  claim 11 , wherein said excipient is a stabilizer, lubricant, a binder, a disintegrant, or a coating. 
     
     
         18 . The tablet of  claim 11 , wherein said friability reducing agent is present in amounts of about 0.1%-about 0.6% by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The tablet of  claim 11 , wherein said tablet is intended for consumption by an animal. 
     
     
         20 . The tablet of  claim 19 , wherein said animal is a mammal. 
     
     
         21 . The tablet of  claim 20 , wherein said mammal is a human.