Tag: Xl

In the United States, about one-third of the top 200 most prescribed drugs are modified-release products [1.9.1]. When you see a medication name followed by letters like XL, it answers the question of **what does XL stand for in drugs**: it signifies an 'extended-release' formulation designed for prolonged action [1.2.1, 1.3.3].

While standard immediate-release medications spike and drop drug levels, modified-release versions like those labeled with 'XL' are increasingly common to offer better consistency. For many patients, knowing **what does XL stand for in medicine** is a critical first step to understanding their treatment plan, as this simple abbreviation signifies a carefully engineered formula designed to release its active ingredient over a prolonged period, typically 24 hours.