The Effect of Size and Shape of Tablets on Their Esophageal Transit

Abstract

The esophageal transit times of small- and medium-sized barium sulfate tablets were measured using x-ray fluoroscopy in 50 patients after swallowing while in both erect and supine positions with a 15-mL drink, and the esophageal transit times of large round and oval barium sulfate tablets were similarly measured in 25 patients. When tablets were swallowed by subjects who were standing, no difference was found between the transit times of small and medium tablets, but large oval tablets had significantly shorter times than did large round tablets (P less than .04). The transit times of both small and medium tablets were significantly shorter than those of oval (P less than .05) and large round tablets (P less than .02). Retention of large oval and round tablets in the esophagus occurred in 20% of patients after swallowing while in the standing position. No medium-sized tablet was retained, but in 4% of patients, a small tablet remained in the esophagus. Tablets that were retained in the esophagus remained there for five minutes, when they were washed down by a further drink. When tablets were swallowed in the lying position, no significant differences in transit times were found between any of the four tablets. Retention of tablets within the esophagus occurred in over 60% of patients with all four tablets after ingestion while in the supine position. Tablets stuck mainly in the lower esophagus above the lower esophageal sphincter, but after swallowing in the standing position, a significant proportion (33% [P less than .01]) stuck in the upper esophagus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bolus Formation and Disintegration during Digestion of Food Carbohydrates

“…It was shown that a gelatin capsule will pass through the esophagus in about 15 s, while a liver cube will remain in the esophagus up to 120 s. These times are increased when the subject is supine as compared to sitting; standing shows a faster passage of particles through the esophagus (Fisher and others 1982). It has also been shown that capsule shape plays a role in esophageal transit, with oval‐shaped capsules having a shorter transit time than round tablets (Channer and Virjee 1986).…”

An Investigation into the Factors Influencing Drug Release from Hydrophilic Matrix Tablets Based on Novel Carbomer Polymers

“…The subject of tablet size and shape should be considered both from the physiological and the manufacturers point of view. Channer and Virjee (1986) investigated the influence of tablet size and shape on transit time through the esophagus and found that large oblong tablets had significantly lower transit time compared with large plain tablets, whereas the transit time of small and medium tablets was lower than that for large tablets irrespective of their shape. Also, the residence time of dosage form in stomach could depend on the size of the dosage form (Wilson 1998).…”

Evaluation of Esophageal Transit of Tablets and Capsules in 30 Cats

“…[6][7][8][9] Because of the frequency of tablet-associated esophagitis and esophageal stricture formation, studies have been performed in humans to determine the transit time of barium-laden tablets through the esophagus. [11][12][13][14][15] In one study, 11 only 9% of pills passed into the stomach in a timely fashion when tablets were taken as a dry swallow without a water bolus. The percentage of pill passage increased to 95% when a 6.0-mL water bolus was given after tablet ingestion.…”