Definition: A delayed-release (DR) tablet releases its drug at a time other than right after it is swallowed. The NCI Thesaurus says this is usually done with a coating that resists stomach acid so the drug is released in the intestine. Enteric-coated tablets are delayed-release.
The two are easy to mix up. Delayed-release holds the drug back and then releases it, mostly to get it past the stomach. Extended-release lets the drug out slowly over many hours so it can be taken less often. Both are named in the dosage form on the label.
Atelvia and Actonel both contain risedronate, a bisphosphonate. The labels give them different rules:
| Actonel | Atelvia (delayed-release) | |
|---|---|---|
| When taken | At least 30 minutes before the first food or drink of the day | In the morning immediately following breakfast |
| Water | 6 to 8 ounces of plain water | At least 4 ounces of plain water |
| Tablet | Swallowed whole | Swallowed whole; not chewed, cut or crushed |
The Atelvia label says taking it before breakfast while fasting gave a higher rate of abdominal pain. It does not recommend Atelvia with acid reducers such as PPIs or H2 blockers: with esomeprazole, risedronate peak levels rose 60%. Because both share the same active ingredient, a person on Actonel does not also take Atelvia.
A delayed-release tablet can have different timing rules than the regular form of the same drug. Logging the full product name, not just the drug, keeps those rules attached to the right tablet.
Read more on Dose Track: Atelvia side effects · Actonel side effects · Taking oral medications