Products
Many medicines are commercially available as dragées. However, tablets or capsules are produced much more frequently today because it is easier and less expensive. New launches with dragées have become rare. Orthographically, both the French name and the Germanized one are correct.
Structure and properties
Dragées are one of the solid dosage forms and are intended for peroral administration. They usually have a round and biconvex shape. The pharmacopoeia classifies them as coated tablets. The gapless layer over the core often contains sugar and other excipients and is thicker than in film-coated tablets. Dragées may contain colorants and flavorings in the outer layer. The core is, for example, a pressed powder mixture or granules. Dragées are manufactured in an infusion kettle. Possible excipients include (selection):
- Sugar, sugar charcoal
- Binder
- Filler
- Dyes
- Flavorings
- Coating agent (polishing agent)
Effects
The coating usually makes dragées easier to swallow than non-coated tablets because of the smooth and polished surface. They enclose an unpleasant odor and taste and protect the core from UV radiation and oxygen, for example. Furthermore, with the coating, gastric juice resistance can be achieved and the appearance improves, also due to the addition of colorants. These also facilitate identification.
Areas of application
Dragées are approved for many applications, for example, as a contraceptive, for cystitis, constipation or sleep disorders. Food: Dragées also play a role in the production of confectionery, for example, with chocolate, nuts and sugar (eg, Smarties, m&m’s).
Dosage
Dragées are taken perorally. Some may be sucked or chewed.
Adverse effects
The sugar may promote the development of tooth decay.
