Which of the following best describes an enteric-coated tablet?

An enteric-coated tablet is specifically designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach and to dissolve instead in the more neutral pH of the intestine. This coating helps ensure that the active ingredients are released and absorbed where they are most effective, which can be particularly important for medications that could be irritating to the stomach lining or that need to be absorbed in the intestine for optimal effect.

This design also helps protect the drug from being degraded by stomach acid, thereby enhancing absorption and therapeutic efficacy. In contrast, other forms of tablets or capsules may not have this protective feature and might dissolve prematurely in the stomach, leading to unwanted side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medication.