Time-release medications

FMC designs one such water-soluble coating for timed-release medications — Aquacoat ECD, a 30% by weight aqueous dispersion of ethylcellulose. This polymer is used to coat drug-layered beads that are delivered using gelatin capsules... 

One of the unfortunate realities of Ritalin use has been its propensity for abuse. A number of studies have revealed that grade-schoolers have obtained the drug from their peers who are undergoing therapy for ADHD. In one study published in 2001, 651 students aged 11-18 from Wisconsin and Minnesota were focused on. The researchers found that more than a third of the students who took ADHD medication said they had been asked to sell or trade their drugs. Users have crushed the pills and snorted the powder in order to get a cocaine-like rush. It is hoped that newer-generation products, e.g., time-release medications, will be less prone to this abuse since their formulation makes them more difficult to crush. 

Time-release medication Medication that is coated so that it can be released in planned graduated doses. Tablets and capsules should not be broken or chewed. 

Oral medications are in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquids and most are absorbed in the small intestine and have a peak time of between 1 and 3 hours. Tablets can be divided using a tablet cutter into half or quarters to reduce the dosage that is given to the patient. Some tablets can also be crushed so that the medication can be mixed with food such as applesauce. Capsules must be taken whole because they are enteric-coated so that the medication isn t released until it reaches the intestines. Some capsules contain timed-release medication. 

In the past, many of the terms used to refer to therapeutic systems of controlled and sustained release have been used in an inconsistent and confusing manner. Although descriptive terms such as timed release and prolonged release give excellent manufacturer identification, they can be confusing to health care practitioners. For the purposes of this chapter, sustained release and controlled release will represent separate delivery processes. Sustained release constitutes any dosage form that provides medication... 

Timed-release capsules-These dosage forms gradually release the active medication so that the total daily dosage may be administered in 1 to 3 doses. These products are not necessarily interchangeable. If patients are switched from one brand to another, closely monitor their theophylline serum levels. 

Topical retinoic acid is applied initially in a concentration sufficient to induce slight erythema with mild peeling. The concentration or frequency of application may be decreased if too much irritation occurs. Topical retinoic acid should be applied to dry skin only, and care should be taken to avoid contact with the corners of the nose, eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. During the first 4-6 weeks of therapy, comedones not previously evident may appear and give the impression that the acne has been aggravated by the retinoic acid. However, with continued therapy, the lesions will clear, and in 8-12 weeks optimal clinical improvement should occur. A timed-release formulation of tretinoin containing microspheres (Retin-A Micro) delivers the medication over time and may be less irritating for sensitive patients. 

According to the makers of Duragesic, it is important not to also use slow-release forms of morphine or oxycodone while using the patch. This would include switching between the two forms of medication or using both at the same time. Other medications that can react negatively with fentanyl use include medicines for high blood pressure and seizures. 

Inactive Ingredient Also called the excipient. This is a substance that does not cause the pharmaceutical response but helps delivers the medication. Inactive ingredients are used as fillers to give the medication shape and size and assist in the delivery of medication, such as the coating around tiny particles of a time-release capsule. 

Capsules These are administered using the oral route. Capsules must be taken whole and not crushed because medication in the capsule is enteric-coated for timed release. Capsules can be opened and the medication mixed with the food depending on the medication. 

Capsules must be taken whole because a capsule contains medication that is enteric coated for timed release. 

Make sure that the patient can swallow if the route of the medication is by mouth and stay with the patient until the medication is swallowed. Enteric coated or time-release dmgs should not cmshed or mixed. Caution should be used when administering intravenous medications because the body quickly absorbs these dmgs. Therefore, healthcare providers need to know expected side effects, effects that occur when the dmg is first given, effects the dmg has during its therapeutic peak, and duration of the dmg s action. Caution should be used when administering any medication via this route. 

Ommaya reservoirs are used to deliver sustained-release medications over time. 

The nomenclature for nicotinic acid formulations can be confusing. Nicotinic acid is available over the counter in an immediate-release (crystalline), and slow-release or timed-release form. A shorter acting, timed-release preparation referred to as intermediate release or extended release nicotinic acid is available by prescription. Due to the potential for side effects, medical supervision is recommended for the use of nicotinic acid as a cholesterol-lowering agent. 

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