Enteric coating agents are important in pharmaceuticals because they preserve drugs and allow them to bypass the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the alkaline pH of the small intestine. This method offers focused distribution, increased efficacy, and less gastrointestinal irritation. As enteric coating agents, a variety of compounds are used, each with unique features and benefits in medication development. Cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) is a typical enteric coating substance. CAP has exceptional film-forming characteristics, allowing it to establish a strong barrier against stomach fluids. Its pH-dependent solubility enables intestinal dissolution, making it appropriate for medications that require stomach acid protection. Another common compound is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), which has a similar pH-dependent solubility profile. It is a popular choice in pharmaceutical formulations due to its compatibility with a wide range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and simplicity of application. Acrylate-based polymers, such as poly(methacrylic acid-co-methyl methacrylate) (Eudragit® family), are frequently used due to their adaptability to specific release patterns. Variants in this group have varied pH sensitivity, allowing for customized release patterns for various drug formulations. Furthermore, natural polymers produced from insect secretions, such as shellac, have historically been employed as enteric coating materials due to their ability to resist stomach fluids and breakdown in intestinal pH conditions. However, because to concerns about purity and uniformity, synthetic polymers have essentially superseded these natural alternatives. Plasticizers such as triethyl citrate or polyethylene glycol are also used in enteric coatings to promote flexibility and film-forming properties. These chemicals help the coating's mechanical strength and flexibility, ensuring it clings effectively to the drug surface. The chemical qualities of the medicine, intended release profile, and manufacturing requirements all influence the choice of an acceptable enteric coating agent. Polymer chemistry advances continue to broaden the variety of accessible enteric coating materials, enabling more personalized drug delivery systems that match specific therapeutic objectives while increasing patient compliance and results.
