Development of Fast-Acting Sublingual Tablets of Levetiracetam: Formulation and Characterization

The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate Levetiracetam 500 mg sublingual tablets to achieve rapid disintegration and enhanced bioavailability through the sublingual route. Four formulations (F1–F4) were developed by varying the concentrations of microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, PVP K-30, and mannitol, with a fixed amount of Levetiracetam and citric acid. Microcrystalline cellulose and mannitol were selected as diluents to promote mouthfeel and mechanical strength, while crospovidone was incorporated as a superdisintegrant to ensure rapid disintegration. PVP K-30 was employed as a binder to enhance tablet cohesion without delaying disintegration. Citric acid was included to aid in salivary stimulation and improve taste masking. The formulations were evaluated for pre-compression properties (angle of repose, bulk density, compressibility index) and post-compression characteristics (hardness, friability, disintegration time, wetting time, drug content, and in vitro dissolution). The optimized formulation exhibited rapid disintegration within seconds, satisfactory mechanical strength, and complete drug release, making it suitable for sublingual administration. This approach offers the potential for faster therapeutic onset and improved patient compliance, particularly in the management of epileptic seizures.