Tablets are solid dose pharmaceutical preparation containing drug substances usually prepared with the aid of suitable pharmaceutical excipients. They may vary in size, shape, weight, hardness, thickness, disintegration and dissolution characteristics and in other aspects, depending on their intended use and method of manufacture.

Tablets constitute approximately 90% of all dosage forms clinically used to provide systemic administration of therapeutic agents. This widespread use of tablets has been achieved as a result of their convenience and also the diversity of tablet types.

Tablets are prepared primarily by compression of granules or powder blends, with a limited number prepared by moulding. Most tablets are used in the oral administration of drugs. Many of these are prepared with colourants and coatings of various types. Other tablets, such as sublingual, buccal, or vaginal tablets, are prepared to have features most applicable to their particular route of administration.