Abstract: Slow release pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of a higher aliphatic alcohol and a hydrated hydroxy-alkyl cellulose in ratio of from 2:1 to 4:1 parts by weight and comprising from 20 to 40 percent by weight of the composition; the method for making the same, and their inclusion in pharmaceutical dosage forms intended for oral administration, to provide a slow release of a therapeutically active compound during a predetermined period of time of from five to ten hours, after oral ingestion by humans and animals.