Diluents are inert substances added to increase the bulk of the formulation so that the final dosage form (tablet, capsule, or sachet) can be easily handled and dosed.
Significance
Uniformity of Dose: Diluents help ensure consistent distribution of the active ingredient, particularly when a drug is present in very small quantities.
Improved Compressibility: Some natural diluents aid in forming uniform and robust tablets.
Cost Optimization: Diluents can reduce the per-dose cost of expensive active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Examples & Uses
Cellulose derivatives (microcrystalline cellulose): Plant-derived diluent with excellent compressibility.
Starch powders: Act as diluents for capsules and tablets.
Lactose (derived from milk, natural source): Commonly used diluent and carrier.
