What does DR mean when describing a medication?

In the context of medication, "DR" stands for delayed release. This term refers to a type of formulation designed to release the active ingredient of a medication at a specific time after administration, rather than immediately. This delayed release can optimize the medication's absorption and effectiveness, allowing for a sustained therapeutic effect over a longer period. By using a delayed release formulation, medications may help in reducing side effects, improving patient compliance, and enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

Other choices like dose regulation, daily refills, and dietary restrictions do not accurately reflect the common usage of "DR" in reference to medication. Dose regulation pertains to adjusting medication dosages rather than the release mechanism, daily refills address the scheduling of prescriptions rather than their composition or release, and dietary restrictions relate to the patient's intake of food and drink rather than the medication's release characteristics. Thus, the correct identification of "DR" as delayed release is crucial for understanding how certain medications should be administered and managed.