Diffusion coated multiple-units dosage form

PCT No. PCT/DK85/00006 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 4, 1985 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 4, 1985 PCT Filed Feb. 8, 1985 PCT Pub. No. WO85/03437 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 15, 1985.In an oral pharmaceutical controlled release multiple-units formulation, individual units containing an active substance are coated with a substantially water-insoluble, but water-diffusible controlled release coating which includes (1) an inner film layer comprising a homogeneous combination of a water-dispersible film-forming agent and a polymeric substance which imparts compressibility to the coating, and (2) optionally an outer film layer comprising a film-forming agent which prevents adhesion between the units at elevated temperatures and imparts flowability to the units. The coating possesses a sufficient plastic deformability to result in no significant changes in the release characteristics of compressed coated units relative to non-compressed coated units.