What type of tablet must be chewed before swallowing and is ideal for children?

A chewable tablet is formulated specifically to be chewed before swallowing, which enhances its palatability and allows for easier administration, particularly in children who may have difficulty swallowing traditional tablets. The texture and flavoring in chewable tablets make them more appealing to younger patients, promoting adherence to medication regimens.

The other options do not meet the requirement for being chewed. A caplet is typically designed for easy swallowing and is coated, while extended-release formulations are designed to dissolve slowly over time, and delayed-release tablets are intended to release the active ingredient after a specific delay. Neither of these types are suitable for chewing, as it would disrupt their intended release mechanism.