Effervescent tablet formulation of Vitamin C for direct compression
Published January 27, 2026
Vitamin C formulation demonstrating the excellent properties of SweetPearl® P300 DC maltitol as directly compressible excipient for effervescent tablets
Objective
Realize a formulation for effervescent tablet made by direct compression. The tablet must present quick effervescent time and offer good stability of the API.
Formula
| Ingredient | Functionality of the ingredient | mg/tablet (total weight: 2400mg) | % by weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascorbic acid | Active Ingredient | 250 | 10.4 |
| SweetPearl® P300 DC maltitol | Direct compression filler-binder | 995 | 41.5 |
| Effervescent mix (citric acid and sodium bicarbonate) | Effervescent system | 900 | 37.5 |
| Sucralose | High intensity sweetener | 8 | 0.3 |
| Tropical punch flavor | Flavor | 28 | 1.1 |
| Flour salt | Flavor | 3 | 0.1 |
| Masking type flavor | Flavor | 28 | 1.1 |
| Sodium benzoate | Lubricant | 100 | 4.2 |
| Polyethylene glycol 4000, powder | Lubricant | 90 | 3.8 |
Method
- In a mixer, mix the ingredients for 5 minutes.
- Compress the powder with a 20 mm flat punch.
Additional comments
| Hardness | 100 N |
| Friability test | Passed |
| Effervescence time | ≤ 2 min (in 200 mL of water) |
| API stability | improved in comparison to sorbitol-based tablets |
| Tablet mass | 2400 mg |
SweetPearl® P300 DC is a granulated free-flowing maltitol specifically designed for direct compression. Distinctive physicochemical properties of maltitol make it an excellent excipient for effervescent formulations as it gives good hardness at low compression force, while reaching a density high enough so that the tablet remains in the bottom of the glass, ensuring a short effervescence time. SweetPearl® P300 DC is low hygroscopic, chemically stable, inert, but at the same time, water soluble. It is a non-cariogenic and non-acidogenic sugar-free sweetener.
SweetPearl® P300 DC is EP/USP-NF compliant.
Disclaimer
This formula is a guideline for recommended use of our products; it does not imply consent to their use in violation of existing patent(s).
These details are for information only, and we believe them to be reliable.