Enteric coating

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An enteric coating is a barrier applied to oral medication that controls the location in the digestive system where it is absorbed.

Drugs such as aspirin, which have an irritant effect on the stomach, can be coated with a substance that will only dissolve in the small intestine.

Enteric coating can also be used to prevent the acidic environment of the stomach from destroying some medications.

Enteric refers to the small intestine, therefore enteric coatings prevent release of medication before it reaches the small intestine.

Most enteric coatings work by presenting a surface that is stable at acidic pH, but breaks down rapidly at higher pH.