What is an advantage of enteric coated tablets?

Enteric coated tablets are designed to pass through the stomach without dissolving, as they have a special coating that protects the medication from the acidic environment of the stomach. This coating allows the tablet to dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestines. The primary advantage of this design is that it helps prevent stomach irritation or upset, which can be a common side effect for some medications. Therefore, an enteric coating can enhance patient comfort and adherence to medication regimens by minimizing gastrointestinal side effects.

The other options presented do not accurately represent the characteristics or intended use of enteric coated tablets. For instance, crushing enteric coated tablets would defeat their purpose, as it would expose the medication to stomach acid and potentially cause discomfort. Additionally, enteric coated tablets do not act immediately in the bloodstream; rather, they take longer to dissolve since they are released in the intestines. Finally, while some medications can be used in emergencies, enteric coating is not specifically designed for this purpose, and medications intended for urgent situations generally require fast absorption rather than delayed release.