Abstract: The present invention provides a controlled release dosage form which may be made using a blend having an internal drug containing phase and an external phase which comprises a polyethylene glycol polymer which has a weight average molecular weight of from 3000 to 10000. The dosage formulation may be pressed into tablets or it may be formed directly into discrete orally administrable shapes by pressing the blend into a cavity which is sized to accept a volume of the blend which is equivalent to one dosage unit. A plurality of cavities may be formed in a strip of plastic which may be sealed after the blend of the invention is pressed in place to form a plurality of unit doses of a drug.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the modification of the rate of release of a drug from a hydrogel which is based on the use of an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable ionizable compound that is capable of providing a substantially zero-order release rate of drug from the hydrogel.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of potassium salt in a form not irritating to the gastrointestinal mucosa comprises tablets or capsules of micropellets of a potassium salt, such as potassium chloride. The micropellets are coated with a permeable polymer comprising a low viscosity (10 cp.) ethylcellulose in combination with triacetin. This coating provides a strong film resistant to breakage during formation of tablets and filling of capsules. The protective coating of the micropellets prevents the early release of potassium ions, while the tablet or capsule disintegrates and the micropellets are dispersed within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. As water passes through the permeable but insoluble coating, potassium ions are gradually eluted into the fluid of the tract over a period of many hours, thereby allowing time for the ions to be absorbed from the tract before high, irritating ion concentrations can form.