Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview

Modified-release dosage forms help address challenges with drugs that have short half-lives by reducing dosing frequency and maintaining stable therapeutic drug levels.

Stable drug levels reduce side effects, lower the risk of drug resistance, and improve treatment outcomes.

For instance, extended-release or ER formulations enhance patient compliance by reducing dosage frequency, sustaining therapeutic effects, and improving tolerability.

Despite these benefits, ER formulations have several limitations.

Dose-dumping from faulty formulation designs can cause excessive drug release, resulting in toxicity.

Large-dose drugs may face size constraints in ER forms, making them harder to swallow.

Additionally, first-pass metabolism can variably affect drug bioavailability depending on its metabolic pathway and formulation design. Inadequate enteric coatings may cause irritation or incomplete drug absorption.

Yet, ER formulations remain essential for improving drug efficacy, safety, and treatment adherence.