Review on: Alternatives to large dosage forms for ease of swallowing

Oral solid dosage forms are widely used across the globe due to their certain advantages. Certain disease conditions require use of large strength of drug substances leading to overall increase in dosage form size. If the patients are geriatric, such large dosage forms (big size tablets and capsules) can pose difficulty in swallowing. In chronic disease condition, this can lead to patient non compliance and treatment discontinuation by patient. In past, there have been efforts to convert conventional dosage forms to newer and patient compliant drug delivery systems and other routes of administration. The review includes the available options, their advantages and disadvantages over conventional capsules and tablets. The review also explores the expectation by patients and by regulatory authorities from pharmaceutical companies towards possible alternatives for future, considering the need for customized product for older population.