Which term describes a coating on a drug that prevents dissolution in the stomach and releases in the alkaline intestine?

• A. Enteric-coated
• B. Inhaler
• C. Gavage
• D. Lozenge

Answer: (A)

This concept centers on a pH-sensitive coating that protects a drug in the acidic stomach and dissolves only in the more alkaline environment of the intestine. An enteric-coated formulation uses polymers that remain intact in gastric acid but dissolve when they reach higher pH levels, typically in the small intestine. This delays release to the intestine, which can prevent gastric irritation and protect drugs that are degraded by stomach acid, while often optimizing absorption there.

The other terms describe different concepts: an inhaler is a device for delivering medication to the lungs; gavage refers to feeding via a tube; a lozenge is a dissolvable tablet designed to release medication in the mouth.