This is quite difficult to differentiate between sustained-release, prolonged-release, and extended-release tablets because these three terms are very much similar. But when it comes to medications, the timing and frequency of their delivery can significantly affect their efficacy and safety. To address this concern, researchers have developed different types of tablets that release their active ingredients at different rates and over varying durations of time. Three such types are sustained-release, prolonged-release, and extended-release tablets. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these three types of tablets.

What is the major difference between sustained-release, prolonged-release, and extended-release tablets?

Sustained-release Tablets (SR)

Sustained-release tablets are designed to deliver the drug slowly over a period of time. The tablet releases the active ingredient gradually, maintaining a steady concentration of the drug in the bloodstream. Sustained-release tablets usually need to be taken less frequently than immediate-release tablets because they release the drug over an extended period.

Sustained-release tablets are formulated to control the release of drugs that have a short half-life, such as pain relievers, and anti-anxiety medications.

Some examples of medications that are available in the prolonged-release tablet form include anti-hypertensive drugs like Metformin hydrochloride prolonged-release tablets.

This delivery method can help minimize side effects and reduce the need for multiple daily doses. One potential downside of sustained-release tablets is that they can be more expensive than immediate-release tablets.

Prolonged-release Tablets (PR)

Prolonged-release tablets are similar to sustained-release tablets, but they are designed to release the drug more slowly over a more extended period. This results in a more gradual increase in the drug concentration in the bloodstream, with the maximum concentration being lower than that achieved by immediate-release or sustained-release tablets. Prolonged-release tablets are typically used for medications that have a long half-life, such as some antidiabetics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.

Some examples of medications that are available in the prolonged-release tablet form include anti-hypertensive drugs like Metformin hydrochloride prolonged-release tablets.

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Extended-release Tablets (ER)

Extended-release tablets are designed to release the active ingredient in a controlled manner over a more extended period than sustained-release or prolonged-release tablets. This results in a consistent and steady blood concentration of the drug, which can be beneficial for medications that require a constant level of drug concentration to be effective, such as blood pressure medications.

Extended-release tablets are formulated to release the drug over several hours, and in some cases, they may only need to be taken once per day.

Some examples of medications that are available in the extended-release tablet form include anti-hypertensive drugs like Metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets.

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Overall, sustained-release, prolonged-release, and extended-release tablets all aim to deliver drugs in a controlled manner over an extended period. The key difference between these types of tablets is the rate and duration of drug release. Sustained-release tablets deliver drugs slowly, but not as slowly as prolonged-release tablets. Prolonged-release tablets release drugs more slowly than sustained-release tablets, but not as slowly as extended-release tablets. Extended-release tablets release drugs slowly over several hours, resulting in a consistent and steady blood concentration of the drug. Understanding the differences between these types of tablets can help patients and healthcare providers choose the most appropriate medication and dosing regimen for a particular condition.