A dosage form for controlled release is produced from a composition comprising a granular material having a mean particle diameter of 150 to 350 micrometers and a compactibility resulting in a compact with a tensile strength of at least 1.7 MPa when the granular material is subjected to a compaction pressure of 266 MPa, at least 80 percent of the granular material being a water-soluble cellulose ether, water-soluble cellulose ester, an alkylene oxide homo- or copolymer, or a blend thereof; and an active ingredient.