What does "enteric-coated" mean?

"Enteric-coated" refers to a specialized coating on a medication designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach and protect the active ingredients from premature dissolution. This coating ensures that the medication does not dissolve until it reaches the more alkaline environment of the intestines. This is particularly important for medications that can cause stomach irritation or those that require a specific pH level to dissolve effectively.

The enteric coating not only helps in delivering the medication to the right part of the digestive system but can also enhance the medication's effectiveness and mitigate potential side effects related to gastrointestinal discomfort.