Sustained Release Medications Overview

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between sustained release and prolonged action medications?

Sustained release medications are available in various forms while prolonged action medications are strictly tablets.

Sustained release medications provide a rapid initial dosage followed by maintenance doses, while prolonged action provides a steady rate of drug replenishment. (correct)

Sustained release medications deliver one dose while prolonged action medications require multiple doses.

Sustained release medications maintain drug levels for longer while prolonged action medications deliver faster initial doses.

What characteristics define sustained action medications?

They create higher drug levels than what is eliminated from the body.

They provide only a single rapid dose without follow-up doses.

They deliver an initial dose for a prompt therapeutic response, followed by doses to sustain effect. (correct)

They replenish eliminated drug at a rate equal to the elimination rate.

Which term best describes medications that release drugs over extended periods?

Rapid action

Intermittent release

Sustained release (correct)

Immediate action

Why do all currently available branded products focus on prolonged action dosage forms?

<p>They match the therapeutic effects while simplifying dosage regimens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is crucial for maintaining a sustained level of drug in the body?

<p>The rate of drug release must equal the rate of drug elimination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medications with Prolonged and Sustained Action

Significant advancements have been made in developing medications that provide precise dosage over extended periods.
Various products promote therapeutic effects that last longer than standard single doses, categorized under terms like prolonged action, sustained release, continuous action, and timed release.

Definition of Sustained Action Products

Sustained action or sustained release medications deliver an initial dose for an immediate therapeutic effect.
After the initial dose, additional doses maintain therapeutic levels beyond the duration of a typical single dose.
To maintain effective therapeutic levels, the drug release rate must align with the drug elimination rate.

Characteristics of Prolonged Action Products

Prolonged action medications provide an initial rapid response while replenishing the drug at a rate different from the elimination rate.
Current branded medications are primarily designed in prolonged action dosage forms, despite objectives aiming for sustained action.

Benefits of Sustained and Prolonged Action Dosage Forms

Offer convenience of fewer doses while ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects.
Improved patient compliance due to reduced frequency of medication intake.

Description

Explore the advancements in medications designed for sustained release and continuous action. This quiz delves into the terminology and concepts related to prolonged action in pharmaceuticals, emphasizing their therapeutic effects and mechanisms. Test your knowledge on these innovative drug delivery systems.