Which coating is applied as a concentrated sugar solution to improve compliance and mask tastes and odors?

• A. Compression Coated Tablets
• B. Gelatin Coated Tablets
• C. Film Coated Tablets
• D. Sugar Coated Tablets

Answer: (D)

The coating being described is sugar coating. Sugar-coated tablets are produced by applying a concentrated sugar solution to the tablet core in multiple thin coats, with drying between coats. This thick sugary layer masks the taste and odor of the drug, making the medicine easier to swallow and more acceptable to patients, which helps improve compliance. The sugar shell also gives a smooth, glossy finish and can offer some protection, but it adds bulk and is sensitive to humidity, affecting shelf life and dissolution speed. Other coatings, like gelatin or film coatings, use different materials and processes and aren’t built up from a concentrated sugar syrup, which is why they serve different purposes.