Where are enteric-coated pills dissolved?

Enteric-coated pills are designed to dissolve specifically in the small intestine rather than in the stomach. This coating serves to protect the pill from the acidic environment of the stomach, which can degrade certain medications or cause irritation to the stomach lining. By ensuring that the medication dissolves in the small intestine, the enteric coating allows for better absorption and helps to enhance the drug's effectiveness.

The small intestine has a more neutral pH compared to the stomach, making it an ideal location for the release of medications intended to be absorbed in this part of the gastrointestinal tract. This design is particularly useful for drugs that can become ineffective if they are broken down in the acidic conditions of the stomach. Thus, the primary purpose of enteric coating is to ensure that the active ingredients reach the appropriate site of action in the small intestine without being compromised by the stomach's acidity.