EXTENDED RELEASE ORAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Extended release formulations make the drug available over extended time period after oral administration. The extended release product will optimize therapeutic effect and safety of a drug at the same time improving the patient convenience and compliance. By incorporating the dose for 24 hrs into one tablet/capsule from which the drug is released slowly. This formulation helps to avoid the side effects associated with low and high concentrations. The ideal drug delivery system should show a constant zero-order release rate and maintain the constant plasma concentrations. The extended release formulations may maintain therapeutic concentrations over prolonged periods. The use of extended release formulations avoids the high blood concentration. Extended release formulations have the potential to improve the patient compliance, reduce the toxicity by slowing drug absorption, Minimize drug accumulation with chronic dosing, Usage of less total drug and reduce the dose frequency, Improvement the bioavailability of some drugs. This article provides an overview of design and fabrication of extended release system and in-vitro performance of extended release formulation.