Extended-release medicines

Content provided by Healthwise

Extended-release medicines

Extended-release medicines slowly release medicine into the body. This reduces how fast the body absorbs the medicine. There may be three benefits to this:

The medicine is in the body for a longer time.
Side effects may be less intense.
You don't have to take the medicine as often.

Extended-release medicines are not used when a medicine is first prescribed and the final dose has not been determined. They usually are not used unless side effects are a problem, it is hard to take the nonextended-release form, or you need a long-acting medicine.

Extended-release medicines should never be crushed or chewed. Some of them can be broken in two. Ask your pharmacist about this.

Extended-release medicines also are called modified-release, prolonged-release, controlled-release, controlled-delivery, slow-release, and sustained-release medicines.

Delayed-release medicines are not the same. They release the active ingredients at a certain time after the medicine is taken.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.