Posted by Cam W. on November 24, 2001, at 17:11:49
In reply to XR?, posted by mist on November 24, 2001, at 15:37:24
> What do the letters "XR" after a medication name mean?
Mist - XR is the extended release version of a drug. The elimination half-life is extended in various ways (drug encapsulated in pellets that dissolve at different rates; drug trapped in a slowly dissolving matrix; drug leaks slowly out of a pinhole in a non-dissolvable tablet; etc.). Having a longer half-life allows one to take the drug less often, which has been shown to improve compliance, as well as minimizing the risk of experiencing withdrawl effects.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:85050
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85052.html