Which excipient is not typically used to impart compression characteristics to tablet formulation?

• A. Glidant
• B. Disintegrants
• C. Lubricant
• D. Anti-adherents

Answer: (B)

The key idea is about which additives influence the process of forming tablets during compression. Excipients that improve how the powder flows and how easily the tablet can be compressed and ejected are tied to compression characteristics. Glidants reduce interparticle friction and improve flow, helping consistent die filling and uniform compaction. Lubricants form a film on particle surfaces to reduce friction with the die walls, aiding smooth filling, compaction, and ejection. Anti-adherents prevent sticking to the tooling, which also supports reliable compression and production efficiency.

Disintegrants, on the other hand, are included to help the tablet break apart once it’s in the gastrointestinal tract. They affect disintegration and dissolution, not the compression behavior during tablet formation. That’s why they are not typically used to impart compression characteristics.