Have you ever come across the term extended-release capsules and wondered what that means? Medications often have acronyms IR, ER, CR, and SR affixed to them. These are not mere suffixes or letters but contain important information about the formulation. These letters represent a modified-release dosage mechanism.
IR—immediate release, ER—extended release, CR—controlled release, and SR—sustained release are the oral dosage forms with varied indications, benefits, and drawbacks.
Let us delve into the benefits, effectiveness, and working mechanism of extended release capsules.
Extended-Release Capsules: What are they?
Extended-release capsules release the active ingredients for an extended period. They are indicated in the cases where it is necessary to maintain a constant drug level in the bloodstream, for instance, in the management of chronic pain. As the drug stays in the bloodstream for a longer duration ensuring symptom relief, one needs to consume only one or two doses of the drug throughout the day.
Traditional immediate-release vs extended-release medications
Immediate-release medications are released immediately after consumption. Unlike ER medications, they are absorbed quickly and produce the desired effects for a short interval. Due to this, these medications are indicated in conditions where immediate relief is required.
However, these medications require frequent doses to maintain the desired effects in the body. Given the side effects that over-consumption of medications poses, these medications are not always the best option.
How do extended-release capsules work?
Extended-release medications are designed to extend their absorption time inside the body. These medications release the active ingredients in the bloodstream in a heavily controlled manner, thus extending their processing time in the body.
The desired results are achieved with the help of varied pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, such as matrix systems, special coatings, or encapsulation techniques. These features orchestrate the controlled release of active ingredients into the bloodstream.
Difference between extended-release and sustained-release medications
Although extended-release medication is an umbrella term that includes SR and CR pharmaceuticals and often these terms are used interchangeably, there are some differences.
It is essential to understand the key differences to program a viable treatment plan and achieve the desired results.
Key differences between ER and SR medications are-
● Release duration- ER medications last up to 24 hours but SR medications have a shorter shelf-life within the body. They last for only up to 8-12 hours.
● Absorption rate- ER medications are absorbed slower than SR medications.
● Frequency of dose- ER medications have a longer release duration and slower absorption rate, hence lower dosing frequency than SR medications.
Benefits of extended-release capsules
● ER capsules have better patient compliance as they do not require frequent doses.
● Due to their controlled release in the bloodstream, the management of symptoms is more effective and consistent.
● With fewer doses and controlled release, side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea are reduced or not experienced.
Use cases
Extended-release capsules are used in conditions that require consistent presence of medication throughout the day and night for effective management. ER medications are indicated for the treatment of conditions like hypertension, chronic pain, asthma, sleep disorders, and depression.
The bottom line
With a longer release duration, high absorption rate, low dosage frequency, and fewer chances of side effects, ER capsules are the medication of choice in certain conditions.
CBxGEN swears by the excellent dosage mechanism and effects of ER medications and incorporates this encapsulation technology in its products, such as CBx reGEN and CBxASSIST.
Explore the range of extended-release hemp extract capsules by CBxGEN.