What does it mean when a medication is classified as “enteric-coated”?

When a medication is classified as "enteric-coated," it means that the tablet or capsule has a special coating that helps protect it from stomach acid, allowing it to dissolve and release the medication in the intestine instead. This is particularly important for medications that may be irritating to the stomach lining or that are better absorbed in the alkaline environment of the intestines. The enteric coating ensures that the active ingredient is not released until it reaches the intestinal tract, thereby enhancing its effectiveness and reducing gastrointestinal side effects.

The other choices, while related to medication characteristics, do not accurately describe the purpose or function of an enteric coating. Enhancing flavor or stating safety for pregnant women pertains to different aspects of medication formulation or use, rather than the specific protective measure provided by enteric-coating. The need for refrigeration is a stability concern that does not apply to the classification of enteric-coated medications.