17/06/2026
An enteric-coated tablet is a medication or supplement that features a special outer layer designed to resist the highly acidic environment of the stomach. Instead of dissolving right away, it passes through the stomach intact and breaks down once it reaches the more alkaline (neutral/basic) environment of the small intestine. The word "enteric" actually comes from the Greek word enterikos, which means "pertaining to the intestines."
Why Use Enteric Coatings?
Protects the Stomach: Some medications, like aspirin or iron supplements, can heavily irritate the stomach lining or cause ulcers. The coating prevents the drug from releasing until it's safely past the stomach.
Protects the Drug: Certain active ingredients (like biological enzymes or acid-sensitive antibiotics) are completely destroyed by harsh stomach acid. The coating acts as a protective shield.
Targeted Delivery: If a medication needs to treat a localized issue in the intestines (like for Crohn's disease or IBS), the coating ensures the drug arrives exactly where it's needed most.