Which type of medication is specifically designed to release its active ingredient slowly over time?

Extended-release formulations are specifically designed to release their active ingredients slowly over an extended period of time. This is achieved through specialized manufacturing techniques that create a delivery system capable of controlling the release rates of the medication. As a result, these formulations enable less frequent dosing—often once or twice a day—while maintaining therapeutic drug levels in the bloodstream over time. This can enhance patient compliance by reducing the number of doses required and can help maintain more stable blood levels of the medication, which is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment.

In contrast, immediate-release tablets are designed for quick absorption and immediate onset of action. Enteric-coated pills are made to resist dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach but dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestines, primarily to protect the stomach lining or to ensure the drug is released where it can be absorbed more effectively. Liquid formulations can provide fast absorption, but they do not have the slow-release mechanism inherent in extended-release formulations.