Enteric coating of oral solid dosage forms as a tool to improve drug bioavailability

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biopharmaceutics

Background:

• Enteric coating is a standard technique for oral pharmaceutical dosage forms.
• It protects drugs from gastric degradation and local irritation.
• Controversy exists regarding its true effect on drug bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the influence of enteric coating on oral drug bioavailability.
• To review formulation strategies for enhancing drug delivery with enteric coatings.
• To address the variability affecting drug absorption and therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on enteric coating and drug bioavailability.
• Analysis of formulation strategies for monolithic and multiparticulate systems.
• Examination of factors influencing drug absorption and serum levels.

Main Results:

• Enteric coating can improve the bioavailability of certain drugs.
• Various formulation approaches combine enteric coating with other bioavailability enhancers.
• Gastrointestinal factors significantly impact drug performance.

Conclusions:

• The precise impact of enteric coating on bioavailability requires further investigation.
• Understanding inter-individual variability is crucial for optimizing enteric-coated drug products.
• Special attention is needed for new oral dosage forms utilizing enteric coating technology.