Research & Reviews: Journal of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology
Menue-ISSN: 2347-7857 p-ISSN: 2347-7849
e-ISSN: 2347-7857 p-ISSN: 2347-7849
Hanna ZieliÅska*
Department of Biopharmaceutics and Nanocarriers, Central Institute of Medical Sciences, Poland
Received: 01-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. jpn-25-177952; Editor assigned: 03-Dec- 2025, Pre-QC No. jpn-25-177952 (PQ); Reviewed: 17-Dec-2025, QC No. jpn-25- 177952; Revised: 22-Dec-2025, Manuscript No. jpn-25-177952 (R); Published: 29-Dec- 2025, DOI: 10.4172/2347-7857.13.008
Citation: Hanna ZieliÅska, Sustained and Controlled Release Formulations: Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy and Patient Compliance. J Pharm Anal. 2025.13.008.
Copyright: © 2025 Hanna ZieliÅska, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Visit for more related articles at Research & Reviews: Journal of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology
Sustained and controlled release formulations are advanced drug delivery systems designed to release medications at a predetermined rate for an extended period of time. Unlike conventional immediate-release dosage forms, these formulations maintain drug concentrations within the therapeutic range for longer durations, minimizing fluctuations in plasma levels. Such systems improve therapeutic effectiveness, reduce dosing frequency, and enhance patient compliance. Sustained and controlled release technologies are widely used in modern pharmaceutical development to optimize drug therapy and minimize adverse effects [1].
The primary goal of sustained and controlled release formulations is to deliver drugs in a predictable and reproducible manner. Sustained release systems prolong drug action by slowing the rate of drug release, while controlled release systems aim to deliver drugs at a specific rate, often approaching zero-order kinetics. These formulations are particularly beneficial for drugs with short half-lives, narrow therapeutic windows, or those requiring long-term administration [2, 3].
Various approaches are employed to achieve sustained and controlled release. Matrix systems are among the most common, where the drug is embedded in a polymeric matrix that controls release through diffusion or erosion. Reservoir systems use a drug core surrounded by a rate-controlling membrane. Biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) allow gradual drug release as the polymer degrades. Other techniques include osmotic systems, microencapsulation, and ion-exchange resins [4].
The selection of polymers and excipients plays a crucial role in formulation performance. Hydrophilic polymers swell upon contact with biological fluids, forming a gel layer that regulates drug diffusion, while hydrophobic polymers slow release by limiting water penetration. Formulation design must also consider drug properties such as solubility, stability, and dose. In vitroâ??in vivo correlation studies are essential to predict clinical performance and ensure consistent therapeutic outcomes [5].
Despite their advantages, sustained and controlled release formulations present challenges, including complex manufacturing processes, higher development costs, and potential dose dumping if the system fails. Careful formulation design, quality control, and stability testing are necessary to ensure product safety and effectiveness.
Sustained and controlled release formulations represent a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. By providing prolonged and predictable drug release, these systems enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce side effects, and improve patient adherence. Continued innovation in materials and formulation strategies will further expand their applications in personalized and long-term drug therapy.