can somebody help explain to me the difference between extended release instant release and sustained release? just in the general sense, im not talking about a specific drug. and what is the advantage over each other?you can use specific drugs if it helps. thanks in advance

XR = Extended-release.

Extended-release medications have special coatings or ingredients that control how fast the drug is released from the pill into your body. This may allow you to take certain medications only once or twice a day, instead of more often.

(Adderall is a little different. Adderal XR contains a different mixture of stimulants that are processed at different speeds by the body.


IR = Instant-release

Instant release tablets are designed to take effect as quickly as possible.


SR = Sustained release

Dosage forms designed to be absorbed at various levels in the gastrointestinal tract, thus prolonging action.




Hope that helps?

Yeah it does. But I still dont understand the difference between XR and SR. it sounds like they both are released in your body throughout the day. Also, do IRs in general have shorter half lives than XR/SR, meaning you would have to take more IRs per day?

half life refers to the amount of time it take the chemical to be meatabolized into inactives and/or be expelled from the body.

With ER and SR tabs the chemical doesnt actually take longer to be metabolized, but it does take longer to enter the blood stream. So it will be in your system from longer after your dose, but that is only becasue the part part of the drug to be metabolized enters you system after a delay.