Acusol and Expotab are examples of which type of excipients?

• A. Disintegrants
• B. Superdisintegrants
• C. Colorants
• D. Binders

Answer: (B)

In tablet formulation, disintegration is essential for dissolution, and some excipients are designed to speed this process. Superdisintegrants are specialized agents that trigger rapid disintegration when the tablet comes into contact with aqueous fluids. They work mainly by swelling and by drawing water into the tablet (wicking), which creates internal stress that breaks the tablet apart quickly. Expotab is a well-known brand of sodium starch glycolate, a classic superdisintegrant, and Acusol refers to another product line used for the same purpose. Because they’re optimized to promote fast breakup at low concentrations, these excipients are categorized as superdisintegrants. In contrast, colorants merely add color, and binders are used to hold the tablet together, not to promote quick disintegration.