"Enteric Coated Tablets" are a particular type of medication that have a specialized coating designed to prevent them from dissolving too early in the digestive system. The spelling of "Enteric" is pronounced /en'terik/ with stress on the second syllable. The word derives from the Greek term "enteron," meaning "intestine." "Coated" is spelled /koʊtɪd/, and is pronounced with stress on the first syllable. These tablets are often used to ensure that medications are delivered to the intended target of the small intestine, providing effective relief to patients.
Enteric coated tablets are a type of oral medication that has a special coating designed to resist dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach and instead dissolve in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. The word "enteric" refers to the intestine, hence the name enteric coated tablets.
The purpose of the enteric coating is to protect the active ingredients of the tablet from being broken down and degraded by the stomach acid. By not dissolving in the stomach, the medication is able to reach the small intestine intact, where it can then be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Enteric coated tablets offer several advantages. Firstly, they can protect the sensitive active ingredients from stomach acid degradation, ensuring their effectiveness. Secondly, they can prevent the onset of stomach irritation or gastrointestinal side effects that some medications may cause. Additionally, enteric coated tablets can improve patient compliance as they may be easier to swallow and have a reduced risk of gastrointestinal issues.
However, it is important to note that enteric coated tablets may have a slower onset of action as they must first pass through the stomach before releasing the active ingredients in the small intestine. Therefore, they might not be suitable for medications that require rapid absorption.
In summary, enteric coated tablets have a specialized coating that resists dissolution in the stomach and instead dissolves in the small intestine. This coating protects the medication from stomach acid degradation and can help prevent gastrointestinal side effects.