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Extended-release Medication

From Michael Bihari, MD, for About.com

Updated: August 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Extended-release medications have special coatings or ingredients that control how fast the drug is released from the pill into your body. This may allow you to take certain medications only once or twice a day, instead of more often. Some extended-release medications have the letters "XL" or "LA" or "XR" in their name.
Also Known As: long-acting medication
Examples:

Detrol LA (tolterodine) is a medication used to treat overactive bladder.

Effexor XR (venlafaxine) is a medication used to treat depression.

Toprol XL (metoprolol) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure.

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