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What Is an Enteric-Coated Tablet?

An enteric-coated tablet is a tablet with a special outer coating that helps it pass through the stomach before dissolving. The coating can protect the medicine from stomach acid or protect the stomach from irritation. These tablets are designed to release medicine later in the digestive tract, commonly in the small intestine. They should not be crushed, chewed, or split unless the label or prescriber clearly says it is safe.

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What Is an Enteric-Coated Tablet?

An enteric-coated tablet is a tablet with a special outer coating that helps it pass through the stomach before dissolving. The coating can protect the medicine from stomach acid or protect the stomach from irritation. These tablets are designed to release medicine later in the digestive tract, commonly in the small intestine. They should not be crushed, chewed, or split unless the label or prescriber clearly says it is safe.

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How Does an Enteric-Coated Tablet Work?

The coating on an enteric-coated tablet resists breaking down in the acidic environment of the stomach. After the tablet moves into a less acidic part of the digestive tract, the coating dissolves and releases the medicine. This delayed release helps the drug reach the intended site. Damaging the coating can cause the medicine to release too early.

When Are Enteric-Coated Tablets Used?

Enteric-coated tablets are used when a medicine could irritate the stomach or when stomach acid could damage the active ingredient. Some aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug products use enteric coating to reduce direct stomach irritation. Certain medicines also use this coating to delay release until the tablet reaches the intestine. The reason depends on the drug and formulation.

Enteric-Coated Vs Regular Tablets

A regular tablet can begin breaking down soon after it reaches the stomach. An enteric-coated tablet is designed to resist stomach acid and release medicine later. This means the two forms can act differently even if they contain the same active ingredient. Patients should not switch, crush, or split tablet forms without asking a pharmacist or prescriber.

Safety And Dosing Tips

Swallow enteric-coated tablets whole with the amount of water listed on the label. Do not crush, chew, dissolve, or split them unless a pharmacist or prescriber confirms it is safe. If swallowing is difficult, ask about a liquid, chewable, smaller tablet, or another dosage form. Seek care for signs of allergic reaction, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or symptoms that worsen during treatment.

FAQs About Enteric-Coated Tablets

Can You Crush an Enteric-Coated Tablet?

No, enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed unless a pharmacist or prescriber says it is safe. Crushing can destroy the coating and change how the medicine is released.

What Does EC Mean on a Tablet?

EC commonly means enteric-coated. It tells patients and clinicians that the tablet has a coating designed to resist stomach acid.

Why Are Some Tablets Enteric-Coated?

Some tablets are enteric-coated to protect the stomach from irritation or protect the medicine from stomach acid. The coating can also delay medicine release until the tablet reaches the intestine.

What Should You Do if You Cannot Swallow an Enteric-Coated Tablet?

Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take it. A different strength, liquid, capsule, or alternative medicine might be safer than crushing the tablet.

Reference

Adult Low Dose Enteric Coated Aspirin. DailyMed. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2f74bc39-3bbe-ba0a-e063-6394a90aa3b2. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Checking if tablets can be crushed or capsules opened. Specialist Pharmacy Service. https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/checking-if-tablets-can-be-crushed-or-capsules-opened/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Crushed Tablet Administration for Patients with Dysphagia and Enteral Feeding: Challenges and Considerations. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10511598/. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Enteric-Coated Aspirin: Uses, Warnings & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20629-aspirin-enteric-coated-capsules-or-tablets. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.

Omeprazole Delayed-Release Tablets, 20 mg. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=bb7e658c-dab5-43b3-b5c2-578948164e63. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.