The ER at the end of a medication or pills name stands for extended release.
The ER or extended release means that the pill is designed so that the medication is released slowly into your bloodstream over a longer period of time.
The medication of the ER or extended release pill allows you to take fewer doses throughout the day while also maintaining steady drug levels.
And depending on the manufacturer, the time release technology for extended release pills may also be labeled as XR or "extended release", XL "extra long", or even SR for "sustained release".
The extended release pills are formulated specifically to deliver the medication to your bloodstream gradually, so you should never crush or spit or chew the extended release pills unless your doctor gives you permission to do so.
Crushing, splitting or chewing the extended release pills can release the entire daily dose at once and can cause severe side effects or even render the medication ineffective.
Always take the extended release pills as prescribed.
Extended release pills are also sometimes labeled as CR or "controlled release".
You should also never crush, spit or chew the controlled release pills as well.
Extended‑release (ER) is a broad term describing formulations designed to release drug over an extended period; sustained‑release (SR) is one subtype of ER.
These medicines work over a longer period, releasing the drug throughout the entire day or night.