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Immediate Release is a term used in the field of pharmacology to describe a type of drug delivery system that releases a drug into the body immediately after administration. This is in contrast to controlled release systems, which release the drug over a period of time.

Overview

Immediate release formulations are designed to dissolve and release their active ingredients quickly. This is typically achieved through the use of certain excipients that facilitate rapid dissolution. The goal of immediate release is to achieve a rapid onset of action, which can be particularly beneficial in the treatment of acute conditions such as pain or anxiety.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of immediate release formulations is their ability to provide rapid relief from symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial in acute conditions where immediate action is required. However, these formulations also have some disadvantages. For example, they may require more frequent dosing than controlled release formulations, as their effects wear off more quickly. In addition, they may be associated with a higher risk of side effects, as they can lead to high peak plasma concentrations of the drug.

Examples

Examples of drugs that are commonly available in immediate release formulations include paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diazepam. These drugs are often used for their rapid onset of action in treating conditions such as pain, inflammation, and anxiety respectively.

See Also

• Controlled release
• Drug delivery system
• Pharmacokinetics