How do effervescent tablets work?

Effervescent tablets function by rapidly dissolving in water due to their composition, which typically includes acids (like citric acid) and bicarbonates. When these components come into contact with water, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide gas. This reaction is what creates the characteristic fizzing effect, leading the tablet to dissolve quickly.

The rapid dissolution in water has several benefits. It allows for a quicker onset of action since the active ingredients become available for absorption more rapidly compared to tablets that dissolve more slowly. Additionally, the presence of carbon dioxide can enhance the palatability of the solution, making it more pleasant for patients to ingest.

This contrasts with the other methods of administration, such as chewing the tablet or attempting to dissolve it slowly in saliva, which wouldn’t activate the effervescent properties effectively. Therefore, the mechanism of release of carbon dioxide and quick dissolution in water accurately describes how effervescent tablets operate.