ABSTRACT
Because drug delivery is programmed in osmotic systems, fluctuations of drug levels in
the body are substantially reduced compared with conventional, immediate-release (IR),
or sustained-release (SR) products. IR of drug may result in peak levels and higher-than-
desirable doses shortly after administration and less-than-adequate doses as the tablet
dissolves. In contrast, osmotic systems keep blood or tissue drug levels within a pre-
determined range to enhance safety, efficacy, and reliability of treatment (Fig. 1).
