Pellets are small “beads” of medium to high uniformity, with particle sizes
comparable to those of mini tablets. Pellets are produced via
either disk or fluid bed granulation, or alternatively via extrusion
and subsequent spheronization.
In contrast to this technically demanding process, mini tablets
are not infrequently manufactured via direct tabletting.

The advantage here is also that, contrary to conventional pelleting
processes, it is not necessary to add water or aqueous solutions,
and therefore problems with stability can be avoided.

Thanks to their smooth surface, low degree of porosity and high
mechanical strength, the mini tablets are easier to give a film coating
than pellets, which have an uneven surface and are very porous.
The mini tablet coats are smoother, which means that the conditions
for reproducible drug release are more favourable.