Enteric coating

An enteric coating is a pharmaceutical layer that resists dissolution in the stomach and dissolves in intestinal conditions, delaying a medicine’s release.

pH-responsive polymer: A polymer whose properties or behavior change in response to the acidity or alkalinity of its surroundings. Enteric films use polymers that remain intact at gastric pH and dissolve as intestinal pH rises.
Aspirin: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for pain, fever, inflammation, and prevention of blood clots. Enteric-coated aspirin is intended to reduce direct exposure of the stomach lining to the drug.
Immediate-release dosage form: A dosage form designed to release its drug without an intentional delay or extended-release mechanism. Unlike enteric products, it does not wait for intestinal conditions before releasing the drug.
Bioavailability: The fraction of an administered drug dose that reaches systemic circulation in active form. Delaying release can change how much of a drug is absorbed and when.
Dissolution: The process by which a solid disperses into a solvent to form a solution. The coating must dissolve before the enclosed medicine can be released.
Proton-pump inhibitor: A drug that reduces stomach acid by inhibiting the gastric proton pump. Many proton-pump inhibitors need protection from stomach acid before intestinal absorption.
Extended-release formulation: A dosage form designed to release its drug gradually over an extended period. Enteric coating controls where release begins, not necessarily how slowly it continues.
Gastrointestinal absorption: The movement of substances from the digestive tract into the body. An enteric-coated drug is released where intestinal absorption can occur.
Gastric acid: Hydrochloric acid secreted in the stomach that creates a strongly acidic environment. Enteric coatings are designed to withstand this acidic environment.
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy: Treatment that supplies digestive enzymes to compensate for inadequate pancreatic secretion. Enteric protection can keep these enzymes from being inactivated by gastric acid.

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