BREAKABLE, CONTROLLED-RELEASE DEVICE COMPRISING A PREFORMED PASSAGE

摘要

The invention relates to a simple and improved osmotic device for the controlled release of an active agent from the core into the use environment. According to the invention, the active agent is first released through a preformed passage and, subsequently, through a second passage which is formed in situ. Optionally, the size of one or both of the passages increases during the use of the osmotic device. Moreover, the preformed passage and/or the second passage increases the release speed of the active agent and enables the release of larger particles containing the active agent and/or the release of active agents which are essentially insoluble in the use environment. Owing to the in situ formation of the second opening, the device can release a greater percentage of active agent than that which would be released without said second opening.