Enteric Coated Pills
� What is it? • The term "enteric" means "of or relating to the small intestine.” • Polymer barrier that is found on oral medication • Typically used with digestion medicines such as gas x and alma seltzers • Materials used for enteric coatings include fatty acids, waxes, shellac, plastics, and plant fibers.
How does it work? • Most enteric coatings work by presenting a surface that is stable at the highly acidic pH found in the stomach but breaks down rapidly at a less acidic (relatively more basic) pH. • For example, they will not dissolve in the gastric acids of the stomach (pH ~3), but they will in the alkaline (pH 7-9) environment present in the small intestine.
• In summary, the stomach fluid is acidic and the intestines, where food goes after the stomach, are not. The coating is designed to hold together in acid conditions and break down in non-acid conditions and therefore release the drug in the intestines.
Why is it important? • To protect the stomach from the drug • To protect the drug from the stomach • To release the drug after the stomach e.g. in the intestines
Limitations • By slowing the dissolving and absorption of the pill, the enteric coating delays maximum pain relief by as long as three or four hours • The enteric coating may lessen the ability of the pill • Example: A recent study published in Circulation suggests that those taking low-dose aspirin for heart health should avoid the enteric coating since it may reduce aspirin's ability to inhibit blood clotting
Sources • http://www.expressnaturals.com/product_p/67180.htm • http://www.swallowingdifficulties.com/patient-information/ what-is-a-tablet/different-coatings/enteric-coating • http://www.wikiplacenta.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2015/08/Enteric-coat.jpg • http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter- products/article/enteric-coated-aspirin-safer • www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-21141/enteric-coated
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