Abstract

This application discloses tablets having a harder outer shell which inhibits penetration of liquid into the interior of the tablet, and a softer interior which quickly liquifies when the tablet and shell are broken into pieces and contacted by the liquid. The tablet has particular utility as a chewable tablet which resists absorption of moisture but which quickly liquifies and melts in the mouth within seconds after mastication, even if the tablet contains considerable amounts of active ingredients that do not dissolve well or at all in the mouth. Also disclosed are agglomerates from which the tablets are directly compressed, and processes for making the agglomerates and tablets. The tablets contain increased quantities of active ingredients of up to about 75% by weight. The excipient or base material of the tablet is made from carbohydrates including dextrose, dextrose monohydrate, maltodextrin, fructose, sucrose, lactose, maltose and xylose held together by small quantities of a carbohydrate binder such as maltodextrin. Tablets according to the invention can contain active ingredients such a pharmaceuticals (e.g., antacids, analgesics, cough medicine, drugs, etc.) breath sweeteners, vitamins and dietary supplements, to name a few.