Enteric coated tablets are pH sensitive. These drugs are coated in such a way that the medication will be released only when it passes the gastric pH of the stomach as these drugs can easily get destroyed by the gastric acids. This mechanism minimises gastric irritation and increases the efficacy of the drug, hence its bio-availability.
If we crush the enteric coated tablet, it can become ineffective once it comes in contact with the gastric acids of the stomach. Therefore, it is better to go for other alternatives( for example; 20 mg tablets rather than breaking the 40 mg tablets into two). Even patients with the nasogastric tube can swallow such small tablets. But, always consult with the physician before proceeding with the -administration in such scenario.
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