What is the purpose of an enteric coated tablet?

An enteric coated tablet is designed specifically to prevent dissolution in the stomach and ensure that it dissolves in the intestine instead. The enteric coating provides a protective barrier that withstands the acidic environment of the stomach, allowing the tablet to pass through without disintegrating. This is particularly important for drugs that can be irritating to the stomach lining or need to avoid interaction with stomach acid to remain effective. Once the tablet reaches the more alkaline environment of the intestines, the coating breaks down, and the medication is released for absorption.

This design enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of certain medications and minimizes gastrointestinal side effects, making the enteric coating a critical factor in the formulation of certain pharmaceuticals. The other options do not accurately represent the function of an enteric coated tablet, as they suggest different characteristics related to dissolution and administration.