Disclosed is a multi-layered gastroretentive dosage form for the controlled release of a poorly soluble drug or diagnostic in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract of a patient, folded into a capsule which disintegrates rapidly and the said multi-layered dosage form unfolds rapidly upon contact with the gastric juice. The mechanisms of the gastric retention are not dependent on and do not influence the materials and methods used in controlling the release of the said poorly soluble drug.