1 to protect a drug destroyed by gastric fluids
2 to reduce gastric distress caused by drugs particularly irritating to the stomach.
3 to facilitate GI transit for drugs which are better absorbed from the intestines.
1 enteric coated.
2
-pH dependent (break down in less acidic)
-time dependent (erodes by moisture over time)
-enzyme dependent (deteriorate by hydrolysis)
3
fats,
fatty acids,
waxes,
shellac, and
cellulose acetate phthalate.