Which term refers to medications that dissolve over a designated period of time?

The correct term for medications that dissolve over a designated period of time is "time released tablets." These medications are specifically designed to release their active ingredients gradually, over a predetermined period, which helps maintain a consistent level of medication in the bloodstream. This method can enhance therapeutic effectiveness and decrease the frequency of dosing compared to immediate release formulations, which release their entire dose at once.

Immediate release tablets do not have a controlled release mechanism; they dissolve quickly upon ingestion. Enteric coated tablets are designed to withstand stomach acid and dissolve in the intestines, which is not necessarily the same as a time release process. Liquid medications typically deliver the active ingredient quickly and do not involve a timed release mechanism.