Which type of formulation is designed to delay drug release until after a certain time?

The formulation designed to delay drug release until after a certain time is the delayed release formulation. This type of formulation prevents the release of the active ingredient in the drug until it reaches a specific area of the gastrointestinal tract, typically due to the presence of a protective coating that withstands stomach acid. This feature is particularly advantageous for compounds that can be degraded by gastric fluids or when the drug must be released in the intestines for better absorption.

The goal of delayed release is to provide a strategic timing of drug action, often improving therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects. For example, medications that may irritate the stomach lining or are better absorbed in the intestine benefit greatly from this delayed action.

Sustained release and extended release formulations are designed to release their active ingredients at a specified rate over an extended period, but they do not specifically delay the release until a certain point in time like delayed release does. Chewable tablets are prepared for immediate release upon consumption, allowing for quick absorption and action, which contrasts with the principle of a delayed release mechanism.