This invention provides a solid pharmaceutical formulation having high physical strength and further having excellent drug release properties and digestibility of excipients when administered, which comprises (a) an active medical ingredient and (b) a pre-gelatinized starch in an amount of 10 to 90% by weight, said pre-gelatinized starch being prepared by pre-gelatinizing a cheap and stable usual starch during the procedure for formulation. This invention also provides a method for preparing the solid pharmaceutical formulation.