Preparation and optimization of fast disintegrating tablets of isosorbide dinitrate using lyophilization method for oral drug delivery.

Orally disintegrating tablets rapidly disintegrate in saliva and then swallowed without the need for water. The orally disintegrating tablets were prepared by freeze-drying of an aqueous dispersion of isosorbide dinitrate containing a matrix former (gelatin), a cryoprotectant (mannitol), a plasticizer (glycerin) and a dissolution enhancer (Tween/polyethylene glycol). Results demonstrated that the selected formulation, Ft, disintegrated within 1 min and showed faster dissolution rate compared with the commercial tablet. Having a fast disintegration time, the developed lyophilized tablet does not need to be swallowed as a whole. So, it is a convenient solid oral dosage form for the patients who have difficulty with swallowing such as the pediatric and elderly ones.