g. Extended Action Tablets.
(1) Definition. An extended action tablet releases its medication over a
prolonged period of time.
(2) Use. Since the active ingredient is released over a prolonged period,
the drug is able to produce its actions over a long period.
h. Lozenge.
(1) Definition. A lozenge is a tablet designed to be slowly dissolved in the
mouth or upper throat.
(2) Use. Lozenges are used for their local action. Many over-the-counter
"sore throat" medications are supplied in lozenge form.
6-11. DISPENSING TABLETS
a. Tablets should not be touched by the hands during the process of filling the
prescription.
b. Tablets should be dispensed in glass or plastic vials. A container with a tight
seal will help protect the tablets from moisture. A child-resistant container should be
used to contain the dispensed tablets.
Section III. SUSTAINED-RELEASE DOSAGE FORMS
6-12. INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINED-RELEASE DOSAGE FORMS
A sustained-release dosage form is designed to maintain constant levels of a
drug in the patient's bloodstream by releasing the drug over an extended period.
Maintaining constant blood levels of the drug in the bloodstream increases the
therapeutic effectiveness of the drug.
6-13. ADVANTAGES
One advantage of sustained-release dosage forms is that medication must be
administered less often than other dosage forms. Another advantage is that it reduces
fluctuations of drug concentration in the blood. (See figures 6-2 and 6-3 for a graphic
illustration of this principle.) Thus, the patient is not repeatedly subjected to amounts of
the drug which are less than adequate or more than adequate. Nor does the blood
chemistry undergo repeated chemical imbalances, which might be detrimental to the
patient's health.
MD0809
6-8