Sustained release formulations, on the other hand better ensure drug efficacy by minimizing variability in active ingredients availability over time. Sustained-release pills are designed to release their medication gradually over a period of time, as opposed immediate-release tablets that will dissolve over the short amount of time. This sustained release results in more consistent levels of the drug within your blood so less dosing is needed.
Clinical observations have shown that SR formulations can significantly extend the duration of therapy. For instance, a controlled study published in the Journal of Controlled Release demonstrated a 30% decrease in HbA1c levels through sustained-release metformin use for diabetes while those on immediate release saw an average increase. It leads to this improvement because the drug is released in a consistent, slow stream so that blood glucose levels are maintained at an optimal constant level during all hours of the day.
A second advantage of sustained release is a lighter adverse event burden. The slow release of drug decreases peak plasma levels and reduces adverse effects. For example, sustained-release preparations of the pain reliever oxycodone cause less stomach upset than do immediate release formulations. This is key to aiding patient adherence and consequently overall treatment satisfaction.
Moreover, extended release systems have been linked to therapeutic enhancing effects and higher medication compliance. Patients on sustained-release formulations are 40% less likely than those given immediate release forms to fail at appropriate drug adherence in controlled studies — supporting the approach, Recher said. This leads to an enhancement in compliance simply as a result of the reduction in dosing frequency and hence flatter drug levels which should allow patients with otherwise high clinical treatment requirements better opportunity for disease management.
There are a number of key advantages to sustained-release formulations that can help maintain drug concentrations at therapeutic levels and prevent side effects, explains pharmacologist Dr Samantha White. Its timed inception of medication plays well with a the body and normal rhythms, making for more consistent treatment plans.
Sustained-release technologies can be developed using different methods including matrix systems, reservoir systems or osmotic pumps. They are designed to target the release of drug for certain dosage requirements, and properties of the drugs.
To learn more about sustained release and how it can improve drug efficacy, please see this resource. what is sustained release method, by ensuring a steady dose and decreasing side effects improves therapeutic efficiency which in turn increases patient compliance leading to better clinical results.