Coated tablets:
The tablets may be formulated with layers such as shellac, resin, and styrene-maleic acid copolymer. These layers are insoluble in acid, but dissolve rapidly in moderate or alkaline pH so they are ideally used to prevent the release of the drug until the product is passed from the stomach to the small intestine. Preventing the release of the drug in the stomach may be protective for a drug that is acid-free and can protect the patient from irritants such as iron salts, diethylstilboestrol, and some anti-inflammatory agents. Often, systemic release and availability of the drug is highly sensitive to gastric emptying phases.
The tablets may be formulated with layers such as shellac, resin, and styrene-maleic acid copolymer. These layers are insoluble in acid, but dissolve rapidly in moderate or alkaline pH so they are ideally used to prevent the release of the drug until the product is passed from the stomach to the small intestine. Preventing the release of the drug in the stomach may be protective for a drug that is acid-free and can protect the patient from irritants such as iron salts, diethylstilboestrol, and some anti-inflammatory agents. Often, systemic release and availability of the drug is highly sensitive to gastric emptying phases.