What Is Enteric Coating?

Blog - What Is Enteric Coating?

Canaan

Pharmaceutical advancements have brought innovative ways to enhance drug delivery, and enteric coating is among the most significant. You’ve probably heard of it about certain tablets and capsules, but what exactly is it?

This article dives into the details of enteric coating, its uses, and why it’s a game-changer for specific medications and supplements.

What Is an Enteric Coating?

An enteric coating is a layer applied to tablets or capsules that prevents the medication from dissolving in the stomach. Instead, it allows the drug to pass intact through the stomach’s acidic environment and dissolve in the alkaline conditions of the small intestine.

This type of coating is crucial for medications or supplements that:

Are prone to stomach acid degradation.
Cause irritation or discomfort in the stomach lining.
Need to be absorbed in the intestine to achieve maximum efficacy.

Commonly used in pharmaceuticals and supplements, enteric coatings ensure drugs are released at the right time and place in the digestive system.

Common Examples of Enteric-Coated Drugs

Here are a few common examples of enteric-coated drugs:

Enteric-Coated Ibuprofen

Enteric-coated ibuprofen minimizes stomach irritation, a common side effect of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). By bypassing the stomach, it helps reduce gastrointestinal discomfort while maintaining its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Enteric-Coated Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that need to survive stomach acid to reach the gut. Enteric-coated probiotics protect these beneficial bacteria, ensuring they are delivered where they are most effective—your intestines.

Enteric-Coated Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase is an enzyme that reduces inflammation and promotes tissue repair. However, stomach acid can degrade it. With enteric-coated serrapeptase, the enzyme stays intact until it reaches the small intestine, where it can be absorbed effectively.

Enteric-Coated Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. However, they are susceptible to degradation in stomach acid. Enteric-coated fish oil prevents premature breakdown, ensuring better absorption and eliminating the unpleasant fishy aftertaste.

An assortment of probiotics with ginger and tea

How To Know if a Pill Has an Enteric Coating

Identifying an enteric-coated tablet can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some signs that a pill might have an enteric coating:

The pill has a smooth, glossy, or colored outer layer.
The packaging or label specifically mentions “enteric coating.”
Instructions indicate taking the pill whole without crushing or breaking.

If in doubt, consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider for confirmation.

What Are the Disadvantages of Enteric-Coated Tablets?

While enteric coatings offer significant benefits, they aren’t without drawbacks. Here are some potential disadvantages:

Cost: Enteric-coated tablets are often more expensive due to the advanced manufacturing process.
Delayed Release: While beneficial for many drugs, delayed release might not be ideal for medications requiring rapid action.
Storage Sensitivity: Enteric coatings can be sensitive to moisture and temperature, requiring careful storage.

What Is the Difference Between Enteric and Non-Enteric Coating?

The primary difference between enteric coating and non-enteric coating lies in their functionality:

Enteric Coating: Designed to resist stomach acid, ensuring the drug is released in the intestine.
Non-Enteric Coating: Dissolves in the stomach, making it suitable for drugs that act in the upper digestive tract or require rapid absorption.

Choosing the right coating depends on the drug’s purpose and desired absorption site.

What Should You Never Do with an Enteric-Coated Pill?

Breaking, crushing, or chewing an enteric-coated tablet can completely negate its purpose. These actions destroy the protective coating, exposing the medication to stomach acid. This not only reduces its effectiveness but can also lead to side effects such as stomach irritation. Always swallow enteric-coated pills whole to ensure proper drug delivery.

For example, many wonder, “Can enteric-coated tablets be crushed?” The answer is: NO. Crushing defeats the coating’s protective function.

Enteric Coating: Final Thoughts

Enteric coating plays a vital role in modern pharmaceuticals. They offer protection to sensitive drugs and enhance their efficacy. From enteric-coated ibuprofen and probiotics to serrapeptase and fish oil, this technology ensures that medications and supplements deliver their full benefits where they’re needed most.

Whether you’re taking empty enteric-coated capsules or handling coated tablets, understanding their purpose helps you use them effectively. If you’re in the pharmaceutical or nutraceutical industries and looking for innovative capsule coating solutions, check out Canaan’s advanced coating equipment to elevate your production quality, or contact us today!