(of a drug) slowly effective after initial dosage, but maintaining its effects over a long period of time, being slowly absorbed and persisting in the tissues before being excreted
Compare intermediate-acting, short-acting
long-acting in the Pharmaceutical Industry
(lɔŋ æktɪŋ)
adjective
(Pharmaceutical: Administration)
A long-acting drug is slowly absorbed after being administered, and maintains its effects over a long period of time.
Long-acting drugs, in which the active ingredients are released slowly, are often administeredfor the long-term relief of chronic pain.
Long-acting insulin starts to work about three hours after administration, and its action lastsfor a number of hours.
A long-acting drug is slowly absorbed after being administered, and maintains its effects overa long period of time.
Examples of 'long-acting' in a sentence
long-acting
She will already be on long-acting pain relief like morphine.
The Sun (2009)
The transparent adhesive pad is being hailed as a breakthrough in the long-acting treatment of illness like arthritis.