Eli5: how does “modified-release”medication capsules work?

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I have modified release meds, I noticed there are two coloured balls as the filling. I wonder if the white ones are non coated immediate release, and the blue coated are slow? Is it simply a delay due to a coating taking time to digest to release the medication?

In: Chemistry

3 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

A genious non “mechanical” example is Vyvance Which is l-dex and r-dex … r-dex gets metabolized into l-dex which then is absorbed. so without a coating it achieves an extended release. The L-dex first immediately being absorbed then as your body changes the r-dex to l-dex it gets absorbed. (L and R describe an angle on the molecule. Left or right leaning).

Anonymous 0 Comments

[controlled release ](https://youtu.be/yNX0FuXEFWw)

[Three Phase Tablet](https://youtu.be/uojwMhQpjq8)

Basically the pills are designed to dissolve into a bioavailable form (that can be used by your body) at different rates. Depending on the drug, some even are timed to release in the intestines instead of the stomach.

One real world example of a drug I think can of is Concerta. It has a coating of methylphenidate for immediate release, and an inner core of methylphenidate for moderately slow release, and finally a digestible matrix that releases the remainder of the mediation much more slowly. There’s also versions closely resembling the 3-phase tablet posted.

Anonymous 0 Comments

It depends on the medication, but that’s pretty much it exactly. Instead of taking more than one dose a day, your medicine has some that starts working right away, and some that dissolves slowly over time so the drug stays in your system for a longer stretch of time.