Tablet coating is a critical step in modern pharmaceutical manufacturing, with three main types of tablet coating methods widely used today, which are sugar coating, film coating, and enteric coating. This article delves into the various methods used to coated tablets, analyse the differences, advantages and disadvantages, machines that applied for the coating process as well as how to choose the right tablet coating machine.

1. What Are Sugar Coat, Film Coating and Enteric Coating?

• Sugar Coat: Sugar coating meaning the methodof applying multiple layers of sucrose-based syrup, often with added colorants and polishing wax, to enhance appearance and mask bitter tastes. This traditional method results in sugar coated tablets with a smooth, glossy finish. Although visually appealing, the sugar coating process of tablets is time-consuming and significantly increases tablet weight and size.
• Film Coating: Film coating for tablets uses a thin layer of polymeric film, typically applied using a tablet coating machine or automatic tablet coating machine. It protects tablets from moisture, improves swallowability, and allows for color branding. Film coatings are fast-drying and ideal for high-speed production.
• Enteric Coating: Enteric-coated tablets are formulated with special pH-sensitive polymers that prevent the drug from dissolving in the acidic environment of the stomach. Instead, they dissolve in the higher pH of the intestines. This protects drugs that may be degraded by stomach acid or irritate the gastric lining.

2. Examples of Sugar Coated, Film Coated, and Enteric Coated Tablet in Pharmaceuticals

Tablet coating methods, ie. sugar coating, film tablet coating, and enteric coating, serves specific purposes. Below is a comparison of their most common applications, benefits and examples in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Sugar Coating vs Enteric Coating vs Film Coating: Key Differences

Sugar coating, film coating, and enteric coating serves distinct pharmaceutical purposes. Here below are their differences.

4. Sugar Coating vs Enteric Coating vs Film Coating: Pros and Cons

Additional Considerations:

• Film coated tablets vs sugar coated tablets: Film coatings offer a thinner, more efficient layer suitable for mass production, while sugar coatings provide better flavor and appearance but are less practical at scale.
• Enteric coated tablets vs film coated tablets: Enteric coatings provide targeted drug delivery to the intestines, while film coatings are used mainly for protection and branding.

5. Why Are Sugar, Film, and Enteric Coatings Important?

Tablet coating whether sugar coating, film coating, or enteric coatingis vital in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Here below are some major reasons of tablet coating.

• • Protection: Coated tablets offer a protective layer that shields the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)from environmental factors like moisture, light, and oxygen. For example, film coating for tablets provides a thin, effective barrier without increasing tablet size significantly, while sugar coating of tablets is useful for moisture-sensitive drugs due to its thick, glossy layer.

• • Taste Masking: Unpleasant-tasting drugs are easier to swallow when coated. Sugar coated tablets and film coated tablets are especially valuable in taste masking, making them ideal for pediatric and geriatric patients.

• • Controlled Release: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestine. This helps protect acid-sensitive drugs and prevents stomach irritation. It’s essential for drugs with delayed release requirements, such as certain antibiotics and pain medications.

• • Patient Compliance: Colorful coated tablets, whether sugar coated, film coated, or enteric coated, can enhance visual appeal and are easier for patients to recognize and remember. This leads to better medication adherenceand reinforces brand identity. Examples include film coated pills with vibrant hues using tablet coating equipment.

• • Differentiation and Functionality: Coatings help distinguish between coated vs non coated tablets, making them easier to identify. They also enable the use of coating tablet types for extended or modified release, aiding in complex drug delivery systems.

6. Coated vs Non-Coated Tablets: What’s the Differences?

When choosing the right dosage form, understanding the difference between coated and non-coated tablets is essential. Each has its own advantages depending on the formulation goals.

7. Coated vs Non-Coated Tablets: Which One to Choose for Manufacturing?

When deciding between coated and non-coated tablets, manufacturers must consider several factors, including tablet coating process, formulation goals, cost, and patient experience. Here is a quick guide:

Choose Coated Tablets If:

• • You need taste masking(e.g., sugar coating tablets or film coated tablets).
  • Your product requires protection from moisture, light, or oxidation.
  • You want controlled or delayed drug release(via enteric coating or film coating on tablets).
  • You’re aiming for higher patient complianceand market appeal.
  • You plan to use tablet coating machinesfor large-scale production.

Choose Non-Coated Tablets If:

• • Your formula is stable and doesn’t require extra protection.
  • You want to reduce manufacturing costs.
  • Your product does not need taste maskingor controlled release.
  • You’re producing simple, immediate-release formulations.

8. Tablet Pressing and Tablet Coating Machinery Guide

Producing high-quality film coated tablets, sugar coated tablets, or enteric coated tablets starts with the right equipment. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, two key machines work hand-in-hand: the tablet press machine and the tablet coating machine.

1) Tablet Press Machine: Core of Tablet Manufacturing

Tablet presses are responsible for compressing powder into solid tablets. Whether you’re making coated tablets or non-coated tablets, a tablet compression machine must ensure accurate dosage, hardness, and uniformity. For companies aiming to produce film coated pills or sugar coated multivitamin tablets, starting with a consistent tablet core is critical.

Here is one highly recommended high speed rotary tablet press machine – ZP26/40D Tablet Press Machine from Jinlu Packing with the key features of:

• • High Speed High Performance: Ideal for mass production of film coated tablets, sugar coated tablets, and enteric coated tablets, the ZP26/40D ensures consistent output with up to 260,000 tablets per hour.
  • Durable Components and Parts: Built with stainless steel and high-grade materials, this tablet compression machine guarantees long-term stability even in continuous operations.
  • Pre-Pressing Function: A dedicated pre-compression stage reduces air entrapment, improves powder flow, and enhances tablet hardness uniformity.
  • Real Time Pressure Monitoring: Advanced sensors monitor tablet compression force during production, ensuring optimal hardness and reducing defects.
  • Single Piece Waste Rejection: The system identifies and rejects faulty tablets individually, minimizing waste and maintaining batch quality.

2) Tablet Coating Machine: Essential for Functional & Aesthetic Coatings

After pressing, tablets are sent to the tablet coating machine. Coating serves several functions:

• • Film coating masks taste and improves appearance.
  • Sugar coating enhances visual appeal and patient compliance.
  • Enteric coating protects drugs from stomach acid and allows delayed release in the intestine.

If you are looking for a reliable and high-performance tablet coating machine, this high speed tablet coater from Jinlu Packing is engineered for precision film coating, sugar coating, and enteric coating applications, with some more key features as below:

• • Automatic Coating Control System: This auto coater tablet coating machineoffers precise adjustment of spray rate, pan speed, and temperature, ensuring a uniform film coated tablet finish every batch.
  • Versatile Coating Capabilities: Suitable forfilm coating, sugar coating tablets, and enteric-coated tablets, this machine supports a wide range of pharmaceutical formulations.
  • Touch Screen PLC Interface: User-friendly operation with real-time monitoring, batch recording, and automated control, perfect for both small batch runs and mass production.
  • High Coating Uniformity: Special spray gun design and baffle system provide even coating distribution, minimizing defects and reducing the chance of coating tablet rejection.

9. Conclusion

As the three major tablet coating methods in pharmaceuticals, sugar coating, film coating and also enteric coating have their own key advantages. Sugar coated tablets improve taste and appearance, film coated tablets offer fast, efficient protection,while enteric coated tablets ensure delayed release in the intestine. Choosing the right method depends on the drug, target release, and patient needs. With the right tablet coating machine and tablet press, you can produce high-quality coated tablets that stand out in the market.