Time-release gel eases medication administration

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield in the UK have developed a new gel that delays the release of medications, making it an ideal solution for elderly patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or capsules.

Using a fluid gel made from a natural polysaccharide, the scientists were able to create gel-based medications consisting of microscopic gel particles that is pourable, can be administered with a spoon but solidifies in the stomach so that the medication passes into the intestine where it is absorbed over the course of several hours.

Results of their studies were published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics.