Modified-Release Tablets and Capsules

Solid oral dosage forms can be modified in various ways to alter the release profile of the active substance. Preparations with such an altered release profile are called modified-release preparations. Some of the reasons have been presented previously (Sect. 4.9.1). 

Modified-release preparations are discussed for several reasons. At first, a pharmacist should know that such modifications on active substance release exist, and that he may dispense medicines with a specific release profile. Secondly, some active substances are only available as a modified-release preparation. Thirdly, the administration of a modified active substance release profile fi-om a tablet might be due to the properties of the active substance. These are some aspects that must be considered before such a tablet is crushed or a capsule is emptied. Enteric-coated tablets and capsules are not described as modified release preparations in the Ph. Eur. [6] but the same care must be taken not to damage the coat when using it for the preparation of other dosage forms. 

Formulation and preparation method of modified-release tablets is tuned to the desired release profile, and thus differ from conventional tablets. The complex nature of this for-muladcHi and preparation can only occur in large-scale industrial production. 

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Immediate Release and Modified Release Tablets and Capsules... 

In addition, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician should be sure that the correct presentation of a particular drug is being supplied. Some drugs may be presented in a variety of different forms, for example, modified-release and non-modified-release, tablets and capsules, etc. Furthermore, as these different presentations may be produced by the same pharmaceutical manufacturing company, the packaging may appear very similar. 

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