What is the characteristic of an enteric-coated formulation?

An enteric-coated formulation is specifically designed to resist stomach acid, allowing the medication to pass through the stomach intact and dissolve in the more alkaline environment of the intestines. This is beneficial for drugs that can be degraded by stomach acid or for drugs that might irritate the stomach lining. The enteric coating protects the active ingredient until it reaches the appropriate site for absorption, which is typically the small intestine. This characteristic of resistance to stomach acid is crucial for ensuring that the medication is effective and reaches the bloodstream at the desired site of action.

In contrast, formulations designed to dissolve in the stomach would not possess the enteric coating, while a product deemed incapable of being absorbed does not align with the purpose of enteric coatings, which is to ensure appropriate absorption in the intestines. Immediate release formulations do not include a protective coating and instead dissolve quickly upon ingestion, which further differentiates them from enteric-coated products.