Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types

Conventional immediate-release formulations release the active ingredient immediately upon ingestion, leading to rapid absorption. However, formulations containing poorly soluble drugs may exhibit slower absorption.

To overcome these limitations, modified-release dosage forms have been designed to control drug release patterns. Several types of modified-release oral drug products are available.

Extended-release formulations are designed to sustain drug release, maintain therapeutic levels over longer durations, and reduce dosing frequency.

Delayed-release formulations, often with enteric coatings, protect the drug from the acidic stomach environment and ensure drug release only in the intestines, optimizing absorption profiles.

Targeted-release formulations deliver drugs to specific body sites, maximizing therapeutic effects and minimizing systemic exposure. These formulations can be designed for either immediate or sustained drug release.

Orally disintegrating tablets dissolve rapidly in saliva, enabling direct buccal drug absorption and quicker therapeutic effects. They are ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets.