What is the term for the process of grinding tablets into a fine powder?

The process of grinding tablets into a fine powder is known as trituration. This technique is commonly utilized in pharmacy practice to achieve a homogeneous mixture of ingredients, particularly when preparing compounded medications. Trituration involves using a mortar and pestle to finely grind the tablets, which breaks down the solid into smaller particles, enhancing the dissolution and absorption of the medication when administered.

This method is especially important when creating formulations that require a precise dosage or when the active pharmaceutical ingredient needs to be altered for different routes of administration. Trituration ensures that the active and inactive components are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the efficacy and safety of the medication.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings within pharmaceutical practice. Mortification is not a recognized term in this context, dividing refers to the act of splitting doses or quantities, and excipitation does not apply to this process at all. Thus, trituration is the correct and most relevant term for grinding tablets into a fine powder.