What is the process of grinding tablets or other substances into a fine powder called?

The process of grinding tablets or other substances into a fine powder is known as trituration. This technique involves the mechanical grinding of solid materials into smaller pieces, often using a mortar and pestle. Trituration is specifically used to achieve a uniform particle size and to increase the surface area of the powdered substance, facilitating better mixing and dissolution when incorporated into formulations. It is an essential process in pharmaceutical compounding to ensure the proper consistency and effectiveness of medication.

Levigation, on the other hand, refers to the process of reducing a solid to a fine powder while wetting it with a small amount of liquid. This is different from trituration, which is typically done in a dry state. Spatulation is another method of mixing powders, where substances are blended together using a spatula, but it does not involve the grinding action that defines trituration. Mixing simply refers to combining various components and is not specific to grinding substances into a fine powder. Each of these processes serves a distinct purpose in pharmaceutical practice, but trituration is specifically recognized for creating a fine powder from solid substances.