What is the difference between sustained-release tablets and controlled-release tablets, and what groups are they suitable for?

Sustained-release tablets and controlled-release tablets are two common forms of pharmaceutical preparations, which have significant differences in the way and characteristics of drug release. The following is a detailed comparison of these two pharmaceutical preparations: I. Definition and characteristics Sustained release tablets Definition: Sustained release tablets refer to a preparation that releases drugs slowly and at a non-constant rate over a long period of time. Characteristic: The drug is released at a non-sustained constant rate according to the time change from more to less. This means that at the beginning of the release of the drug, the release rate may be faster, and as time goes on, the release rate gradually slows down. Definition of controlled-release tablet: controlled-release tablet refers to a preparation in which the drug is automatically released at a predetermined rate within a set time after oral administration, so that the blood concentration is kept constant within the effective concentration range for a long time. Features: The drug release is not affected by time, and the release rate is constant. Controlled-release tablets can release drugs at a constant rate within a preset time, thus ensuring that the drug maintains a stable blood concentration in the body. 2. Release mechanism and effect Release mechanism sustained-release tablets: The release rate of drugs is usually delayed by special preparation processes, such as the use of blockers, coatings, etc. These processes can make the drug dissolve and release gradually in the gastrointestinal tract, thus prolonging the action time of the drug. Controlled-release tablets: more complex release mechanisms are used, such as osmotic pump, membrane controlled release and other technologies. These technologies can ensure that the drug is released at a constant rate within a preset time, regardless of the gastrointestinal environment, food intake and other factors. Effect sustained-release tablets: It can reduce the frequency of medication, maintain a stable and effective blood concentration, reduce toxic and side effects, and reduce the total dosage of medication. However, due to the non-constant release rate, the concentration of the drug may be too high or too low in some time periods. Controlled-release tablets: It also has the advantages of reducing the frequency of medication and maintaining a stable and effective blood concentration. In addition, because of its constant release characteristics, it can more accurately control the concentration of drugs in the body, thereby reducing the occurrence of adverse reactions. 3. Clinical application and precautions Clinical application of sustained-release tablets: It is suitable for the treatment of diseases requiring long-term maintenance of drug concentration, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, etc. By slowly releasing the drug, the action time of the drug can be prolonged, the frequency of taking the drug can be reduced, and the compliance of the patient can be improved. Controlled-release tablets: It is more suitable for the treatment of diseases with higher requirements for drug release, such as cardiovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, etc. By releasing the drug at a constant rate, it can ensure that the drug maintains a stable blood concentration in vivo, thereby improving the therapeutic effect. Precautions When taking sustained-release tablets and controlled-release tablets, patients should follow the doctor’s instructions and take them strictly according to the dosage and medication time in the instructions. Sustained-release tablets can usually be swallowed as a whole, but some sustained-release tablets, such as metoprolol sustained-release tablets and isosorbide mononitrate sustained-release tablets, can be taken separately according to the drug instructions. However, this does not mean that all sustained-release tablets can be taken separately, which should be carried out according to the drug instructions or the doctor’s guidance. Controlled-release tablets are usually swallowed whole and should not be broken, chewed, or ground. This is because controlled-release tablets have a special release mechanism, once its integrity is destroyed, the release rate and pattern of drugs will change, which may lead to too high or too low drug concentration, affecting the therapeutic effect. During the administration, patients should regularly monitor the efficacy and adverse reactions of the drug, and if they have any discomfort or suspected adverse reactions, they should immediately seek medical treatment and inform their doctors about their medication. 4. Applicable conditions 1. Sustained-release tablets are suitable for patients who need to maintain drug concentration for a long time, such as hypertension patients, angina pectoris patients, etc. Patients who have specific requirements for the release rate of drugs, such as patients who want to reduce the number of medication and improve compliance. For cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and angina pectoris, the sustained-release tablets can maintain a stable and effective blood concentration, reduce toxic and side effects, and reduce the total dosage. Pain management: For chronic pain diseases such as arthritis and migraine, extended-release tablets can continuously relieve pain and reduce the number of medication. For other diseases requiring long-term medication, such as diabetes and asthma, sustained-release tablets can help maintain stable disease control. 2. Controlled release tablets are suitable for patients with high requirements for drug release accuracy, such as patients with cardiovascular diseases and nervous system diseases. Patients who need precise control of drug concentration, such as cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, need to ensure a stable concentration of drugs in the body. Applicable conditions Cardiovascular diseases: such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, etc. Controlled-release tablets can ensure that the drug in the body to maintain a stable blood concentration, improve the therapeutic effect, reduce adverse reactions. Diseases of the nervous system: such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, etc. Controlled-release tablets help to maintain stable disease control and reduce fluctuations in symptoms. Tumor treatment: In the process of chemotherapy, controlled-release tablets can ensure the stable concentration of drugs in the body, improve the therapeutic effect, and reduce adverse reactions. For other diseases requiring precise control of drug concentration, such as endocrine diseases and immune system diseases, controlled-release tablets are helpful to maintain stable disease control. 5. Summary: There are significant differences in the way and characteristics of drug release between sustained-release tablets and controlled-release tablets. Sustained release tablets prolong the action time of drugs by delaying the release rate of drugs, while controlled release tablets ensure that drugs maintain a stable blood concentration in vivo by releasing drugs at a constant rate. These two forms of pharmaceutical preparations have their own advantages and disadvantages, and are suitable for different disease treatment and patient needs. Therefore, when choosing and using, patients should follow the guidance of doctors and make reasonable choices according to their specific conditions.