Comparison of the coating process and in vitro dissolution of 3 mm gastro-resistant minitablets and 5 mm gastro-resistant tablets with pantoprazole.

Minitablets are solid oral forms, which, due to their size (1-3 mm), may be easily swallowed by children. The administration of minitablets in a certain number of units allows for flexible dosing for a broad age group of paediatric patients, which is particularly important for modified-release drugs. In this study, enteric-coated minitablets (3 mm) with pantoprazole were developed and compared to conventional tablets (5 mm). Eudragit L 30D 55® and Acryl Eze II® films, which were 50 and 80 μm thick, respectively, were applied using two different fluid bed systems. The increase in the pantoprazole release rate occurred not only due to the application of a thinner film but also due to the reduction in the size of the core independent of the coating apparatus that was used. In contrast to minitablets, the thin film's thickness was insufficient for 5 mm tablets and a loss of gastro-resistance was observed. The insertion of minitablets into a hard gelatine capsule did not affect drug release from the minitablets under in vitro conditions.