Which solid pharmaceutical dosage form is prepared by compression or molding, with or without suitable diluent?

• A. Suppository
• B. Tablet
• C. Enema
• D. Mouthwash

Answer: (B)

Tablets are solid dosage forms formed by compressing a powder blend, and sometimes by molding, with or without a diluent. The key idea is that the final unit is a compact solid designed to disintegrate and release the drug in the body. Diluents (excipients like lactose or starch) add bulk and improve flow and compressibility, while binders, disintegrants, and lubricants tailor hardness, disintegration time, and ejection from the die. Some formulations can be made by direct compression without added diluent if the drug itself provides suitable cohesive properties.

Suppositories, enema preparations, and mouthwash are not solid dosage forms produced by compression or molding. Suppositories are typically made by melting a base and allowing it to solidify in molds; enemas are liquid formulations introduced rectally; mouthwash is a liquid used orally.