Enteric-coated tablet

Enteric-coated tablet is a type of tablet or pill designed to temporarily withstand acidic conditions in the stomach and dissolve in the more basic (alkaline) environment of the small intestine. The primary purpose of the enteric coating is to protect the drug contained within the tablet from being deactivated by the stomach's acidic environment, or to prevent the drug from irritating the stomach lining. This article provides an overview of enteric-coated tablets, including their composition, benefits, and applications.

Composition

Enteric-coated tablets are made by applying a thin layer of enteric material around the core of the tablet. This material is resistant to the acidic conditions of the stomach but dissolves in the higher pH environment of the small intestine. Common enteric coating materials include fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plasticizers, and polymers such as cellulose acetate phthalate and polyvinyl acetate phthalate.

Benefits

The primary benefit of enteric coating is the protection it offers to drugs that can be degraded by stomach acid, ensuring that the active ingredients reach the small intestine where they can be absorbed effectively. Additionally, enteric coating can prevent drugs that are irritating to the stomach lining from causing discomfort or damage. This makes enteric-coated tablets particularly useful for medications that need to be delivered directly to the small intestine for optimal absorption or effect.

Applications

Enteric-coated tablets are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for a variety of medications, including:

• Aspirin, to reduce the risk of stomach irritation and ulcers.
• Antibiotics, to ensure that they reach the intestine where they can be absorbed without being destroyed by stomach acid.
• Probiotics, to protect the beneficial bacteria from stomach acid, allowing them to reach the intestine.
• Medications for the treatment of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, where targeted delivery can improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

Considerations

While enteric-coated tablets offer significant benefits, there are also considerations to keep in mind. The effectiveness of the enteric coating can be influenced by factors such as the presence of food in the stomach, the specific formulation of the coating, and individual variations in gastric pH levels. Patients should follow the prescribing information closely, as taking enteric-coated tablets with food or crushing them before ingestion can compromise their effectiveness.

Conclusion

Enteric-coated tablets represent a significant advancement in drug delivery technology, offering targeted delivery of medications to the small intestine, protecting the active ingredients from stomach acid, and minimizing potential irritation to the stomach lining. As research continues, the applications and effectiveness of enteric coatings are expected to expand, providing improved treatment options for a wide range of conditions.