Abstract: Tablets for the controlled release of an active ingredient in a zero-order or near zero-order fashion are provided. The tablet includes a core and a coating. The core includes at least one active pharmaceutical agent and a polyethylene oxide with a molecular weight of between about 1,000,000 and 10,000,000, preferably between about 4,000,000 and 8,000,000. The core material is optionally, but preferably, coated with a cellulosic material. The active pharmaceutical agent can be hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphiphilic. When the active pharmaceutical agent is a hydrophilic agent, it is preferred that the coating is a relatively hydrophobic cellulose, such as ethylcellulose or propylcellulose. However, if the tablet is uncoated, it can provide a near-zero-order release rate rather than a zero-order release rate.