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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 22 No. 4 1999

Oral extended-release products

Certain medicines have to be taken several times a day. This can be difficult for some people, such as those with a bad memory. To overcome this problem, some medicines are now available in extended-release tablets or capsules. As the dose is released slowly into the body, only one dose a day may be needed. In addition, a more gradual release of medicine may limit high blood levels of a drug and reduce adverse effects. These products usually have a special coat to make them work slowly. If the special coat is damaged, the medicine may come out too fast. To avoid this, the products should not be crushed or chewed.