Most often, large or irregular shaped tablets are very difficult to swallow, particularly for pediatric and geriatric patients. It is estimated that over 16 million Americans are clinically diagnosed with dysphagia, and as many as 40% of all Americans ha ve at least some difficulty in swallowing. Traditional film coatings and waxes, are usually applied to these tablets, but these provide only a visual gloss, or color to the tablet, but do nothing to ease the difficul ty of swallowing. Studies have shown difficulty in swallowing may cause the patient to gag, choke or prolong the residence time of the medication in the oropharyngeal phase. Quite often, this discomfort results in apprehension of taking the medication again, and as a result, skipped doses, or discontinuation of the medicine altogether, is usually the outcome.