Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Advantages and disadvantages of modified release dosage forms

The modified release dosage forms have been formulated to ensure that the drug concentration is maintained at appropriate time intervals, simplify the dosing schedule, and to deliver the drug to that part of the body. It has several advantages as well as some disadvantages, let’s check it.

The pharmaceutical manufacturers have developed different types of dosage forms for patient compliance, the modified-release is one of them it used to change or controlled the time and/or rate of release of an active ingredient to match the therapy goals in disease management.
The oral solid dosage form is the preferred route of administration for many drugs and is a widely used formulation of modified-release products. Tablets and capsules are the most commonly used dosage forms of modified release drugs. Sustained-release delayed release, controlled release, extended-release, and prolonged-release is the different terminologies used in the modified release.
Advantages of modified release dosage forms:
  • The major advantage of modified release dosage forms is that it can control the drug release rate and site to achieve clinical objectives which cannot be attained using traditional dosage forms.
  • The extended-release dosage forms can release the drug slowly upon a prolonged period by which we can reduce the frequency of dosing.
  • Modified release dosage forms have less gastric irritation and side effects than immediate-release oral dosage forms.
  • Modified release tablets generally come with a coating such as sugar coating, enteric coating, and film coating, and coating eliminates the unpleasant taste and odor of the drug.
  • Such formulations are intended to protect the drug from the acidic medium (stomach) and allow release and absorption in the intestine.
  • Coated modified-release tablets can enhance the appearance of the product and make the tablet easy to swallow for elderly and children patients.
  • It is possible to enhance the bioavailability with a minimum dose.
  • It provides more precise and uniform effects of active drug ingredients (API) at particular sites.
  • Reduction of frequent doses can increase patient convenience and compliance.
  • By using the modified release dosage form it is possible to reduce the risk of dose dumping and fluctuations in circulation drug levels.
Disadvantages of modified release dosage forms:
  • The major disadvantage of modified release dosage forms is that their side effects may last longer than the shorter-acting, immediate release dosage forms.
  • "Cost" is another major disadvantage of extended-release dosage forms, as its formulation expensive excipients, instruments, and additional processes are required.
  • If a toxic dose is in the formulation, it will remain toxic for a long time.
  • Administration of modified release medication provides slower onset of action, takes a long time to produce the effect.
  • The risk of dose dumping is higher in case of failed delivery of the dose, thus increased the risk of toxicity.
  • It is not suitable for the drugs that absorbed at specific sites; they cannot be given in this dosage form
  • Usually, these types of pills cannot be split, need to be swallowed intact.
Commonly asked questions on dosage forms are as follows.

What are the disadvantages of effervescent tablets?
The effervescent tablet has a complex manufacturing process, used expensive excipients, the large size of tablets, and special packaging required.

What are the types of modified release dosage forms?
There are two types of modified release dosage forms, extended-release dosage form, and delayed-release dosage form.

What is the major advantage of sublingual or buccal administration?
The major advantage of buccal and sublingual administration is that they offer a quick onset of the pharmacological effect of the medication, especially for use in the treatment of acute disorders.

What is the disadvantage of the enteric coating?
The major disadvantage of enteric coating is it involves a tedious and time-consuming process which results in its products being expensive.


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