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An extended-release tablet is a tablet designed to release medicine slowly over time. This can help keep drug levels steadier and reduce the number of doses needed each day. Extended-release products can be labeled ER, XR, XL, SR, CR, LA, or other abbreviations. They should not be crushed, chewed, or split unless the label or prescriber clearly says it is safe.
read more about extendedrelease tablet ...Extended-release tablets use special coatings, layers, matrices, or delivery systems to control how medicine leaves the tablet. Instead of releasing the full dose at once, the tablet releases medicine gradually. This helps the drug last longer in the body. Crushing or chewing the tablet can release too much medicine too quickly.
Extended-release tablets are used when a medicine needs longer action or steadier blood levels. They can be used for conditions such as pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, attention-deficit symptoms, depression, seizures, and other long-term treatment needs. They can make dosing schedules simpler for some patients. The exact benefit depends on the medicine and condition.
An immediate-release tablet releases medicine soon after it is swallowed. An extended-release tablet releases medicine over a longer period. The same drug can have different dosing schedules and safety risks depending on the form. Patients should not switch between immediate-release and extended-release forms unless the prescriber changes the prescription.
Swallow extended-release tablets exactly as directed. Do not crush, chew, split, or dissolve them unless the label or pharmacist confirms it is safe. Watch for abbreviations such as ER, XR, XL, SR, CR, or LA, which can signal a modified-release product. Seek medical care for overdose symptoms, severe drowsiness, breathing trouble, fainting, confusion, chest symptoms, or a strong allergic reaction.
No, most extended-release tablets should not be crushed. Crushing can release the full dose too quickly and raise side effect or overdose risk.
ER and XR commonly mean extended-release. They indicate that the medicine is designed to release over a longer period than an immediate-release form.
No, extended-release does not automatically mean stronger. It means the medicine is released over time, which can change dosing frequency and drug levels.
Follow the label or prescriber's missed-dose instructions. Do not double up unless a clinician tells you to, because that can raise side effect risk.
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Metformin Tablet, Film Coated, Extended Release. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7e41818c-60e9-4bcf-9586-7bb8d33d5e89. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.