Dosage form exhibiting rapid disperse properties, methods of use and process for the manufacture of same

A pharmaceutical composition for administration to a subject comprising one or more active ingredients and a rapidly dispersing, non-compressed solid matrix including said one or more active ingredients, said matrix having a layered three-dimensional shape with a defined microstructure and comprising a bulk material and a binder, said bulk material comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable compound in particulate form and said binder comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable, substantially water-soluble substance having the capacity to adhere to and bind together the particles of said bulk material, to maintain the three-dimensional shape of said matrix in the absence of moisture and to permit said composition to exhibit hardness and friability characteristics adequate for storage and handling, provided that said three-dimensional shape is disrupted within a time period of less than about ninety seconds upon contact of said composition with moisture, with release of said one or more active ingredients to said subject.