MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Subject: Why do enteric pills disolve in the small intestine and not the stomach?

Date: Mon Oct 25 13:58:22 2010
Posted by Natalie
Grade level: 10-12 School: Paxon
City: Jacksonville State/Province: Florida Country: US
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 1288040302.Ch
Message:

How does an enteric-coated medication dissolve in the small intestine? Is the 
smaller intestine more acidic, or does it contain other chemicals? If so, how 
could you replicate the chemicals in the intestine? Because the coating does 
not dissolve in the stomach, how much longer does it take for the enteric pill 
to dissolve than a pill which dissolves in a stomach? For a science project, 
would I have to add time for an enteric pill traveling into the smaller 
intestine? Also, in the project I would compare the two types of pills to see 
which type of each pill is more effective and hopefully compare the two. How 
would I replicate stomach acid? I’ve heard of using muriatic acid and adding 
water so that the acidity level would be between 1 and 2, which is about the 
level of a healthy stomach. What would you recommend? Thank You(This is for 
the science fair)


Re: Why do enteric pills disolve in the small intestine and not the stomach?

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