What is Film Coating on Tablets?
Tablets may look simple but there's a lot going on behind that shiny surface. At Shine Health we specialize in manufacturing top-quality enteric coating and helping brands perfect their dosage form. One question we hear all the time is: What is film coating on tablets? Let's unwrap this mystery together.
What Is Film Coating on Tablets?
Film coating is a thin layer applied to the outside of a tablet. It acts like a superhero’s cape—protecting the tablet from light moisture and air. The goal? To improve patient compliance and control the drug release.
Here’s what that film can do:
· Mask bitter or metallic taste
· Make tablets easier to swallow
· Shield the drug from stomach acid
· Improve product stability
· Allow for delayed release
When we say thin film we mean it—often just 20 to 100 microns thick. And yet this sliver of material plays a big role in how drugs behave in the body.
The Film Coating Process: Simpler Than It Sounds
We get asked a lot about the film coating process. Don’t worry. It’s not rocket science (well maybe a little).
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
1. Core tablets get loaded into a rotating coating pan
2. We spray the coating formulations using special nozzles
3. Hot air flows in to dry the coating evenly
4. After several rounds the tablets exit with a smooth professional look
We typically use aqueous film coating methods. That means water-based systems instead of organic solvents. Why? Less smell less flammable more eco-friendly. Of course some products still need solvent-based approaches for better performance.
The choice depends on:
· Drug sensitivity
· Desired release profile
· Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
· Regulatory guidelines
Enteric Coated Tablets: Protecting Where It Counts
Some drugs are picky. They break down in the stomach or irritate the lining. That’s where enteric coating saves the day. It resists acidic conditions and dissolves only in the small intestine.
These enteric coated tablets:
· Guard the drug until it reaches the right site
· Reduce side effects like nausea or heartburn
· Improve how much drug gets absorbed
· Allow control of the drug release site rate and time
At Shine Health we’ve seen how solid oral dosage forms benefit hugely from this targeted approach. For example pancreatic enzymes and proton pump inhibitors thrive with enteric protection.
Our favorite moment? Watching clients test coated batches and smile because it works exactly as needed.
Types of Coating Methods and Formulations
Not all coatings wear the same suit. Some go for style some for substance and others for both. Here’s a quick tour of the lineup:
Common coating methods:
· Sugar coating: Traditional glossy but thick and time-consuming
· Film coating: Thin fast and modern—our top choice
· Compression coating: Tablet-on-tablet shell
· Enteric coating: Acid-resistant for delayed release
Popular coating formulations:
· Polymers: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for film strength
· Plasticizers: Keep it flexible think PEG or triethyl citrate
· Colorants: Add branding or identification
· Anti-tack agents: Prevent sticking during the coating process
When done right the result looks great and performs even better.
Why It All Matters to Patients and Manufacturers
At the end of the day this isn’t just about pretty tablets. Film coating affects everything from shelf life to how your stomach reacts. And from a manufacturer’s view it’s key to ensuring consistent quality.
We’ve helped clients overcome:
· Tablets that broke too early
· Poor stability in tropical climates
· Taste complaints from end users
· Low patient adherence due to large rough pills
Here’s what good coating can achieve:
· Boost patient compliance
· Extend market reach
· Improve brand trust
· Meet global pharmaceutical standards
That’s why we’re obsessed with perfecting our process every step of the way. For us coating is not a step—it’s an art.
Final Thoughts from Shine Health
When someone asks What is film coating on tablets we smile. It’s a small detail with a huge impact. From enteric coated tablets to aqueous film coating methods we’ve seen the science work wonders.
If your product demands precision coating—whether for taste masking acid resistance or control of drug release—you’re not alone. We’re here to help you get it right the first time. Because let’s face it your tablets deserve a better suit.
