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It is advantageous to deliver some drugs with short half-life, and which are to be given frequently for chronic ailments, in the form of controlled-release (CR) formulations. The orally administered drugs, in the form of conventional matrix or reservoir type formulations, pose problems of bioavailability fluctuations due to gastric pH variations. Moreover, the release of drug(s) from these systems is affected by the hydrodynamic conditions of the body. Osmotically controlled drug delivery systems utilize the principles of osmotic pressure for the controlled delivery of active agent(s). The release rate of drug(s) from these systems is independent of the physiological factors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to a large extent. In the present review, theory underlying the delivery of drugs from osmotic systems is presented. Different types of oral osmotic systems, their advantages over conventional matrix and reservoir types of systems, and their applications are also discussed. Finally, some of the limitations, adverse effects, and patent and market status of these systems are reviewed. These systems form a major segment of drug delivery products. Because of their advantages and strong market potential, it appears that the future of osmotic systems in rate-controlled oral drug delivery is promising.

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