What type of tablets are designed to dissolve in the small intestines rather than the stomach?

Enteric coated tablets are specifically designed to dissolve in the small intestines instead of the stomach. This special coating is applied to protect the medication from the acidic environment of the stomach, allowing it to be released in the more neutral pH of the intestines. This delivery method is particularly important for drugs that may be irritating to the stomach lining or those that require activation at a specific point in the gastrointestinal tract for optimal absorption and effectiveness.

In contrast, coated tablets generally have a simple coating for protection or to make them easier to swallow, but they do not have the specific design to ensure dissolution in the intestines. Sublingual tablets are intended to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely. Extended release tablets are formulated to release their medication over an extended period, allowing for prolonged effects, but they do not specifically target dissolution in the intestines. Thus, enteric coated tablets are the correct choice for targeting controlled release in the small intestines.