What is the primary purpose of enteric coating on tablets?

The primary purpose of enteric coating on tablets is to protect the stomach from irritation. This specific coating is designed to resist the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the more alkaline conditions of the intestines. Many medications can cause gastrointestinal upset, so the enteric coating acts as a barrier, allowing the medication to pass through the stomach unscathed before releasing its active ingredients in the intestines where absorption takes place. This can also help ensure that the medication is delivered to the site in the gastrointestinal tract where it can work most effectively, thereby enhancing the therapeutic outcome and minimizing side effects associated with stomach irritation.

Other choices, while they may have benefits, do not pertain to the main objective of enteric coating. For instance, improving flavor or making tablets easier to swallow relates more to consumer preference and usability rather than the protective function intended by enteric coatings. Additionally, enteric coatings do not allow for larger dosages; their primary function is focused on the release and delivery of the medication rather than altering the quantity that can be effectively administered.