A process for the production of paper, board, and cardboard is disclosed. The process results in improved drainage and comprises adding to the wet end of a paper machine (a) microfibrillated cellulose and (b) a coadditive. The coadditive can be one or more of (1) a cationic aqueous dispersion polymer, (2) colloidal silica, (3) bentonite clay and (4) vinylamine-containing polymers or combinations thereof.