The invention pertains to a co-processed excipient composition suitable for tableting, said composition comprising at least one filler-binder, at least one disintegrant, and at least one lubricant which have been subjected to granulation together, and said composition partially or completely coated with lactose, preferably in crystalline form. The inventors have overcome the prejudice against the use of lubricants in tableting excipient compositions early in the tableting process. It was found that the alleged detrimental affects of the lubricant in terms of binding and disintegration could readily be controlled in a excipient composition wherein the lubricant is co-processed in the matrix, and the composition is provided with a lactose coat.
