Traditional Enteric-Coated Capsules vs a Next-Generation Polymer Capsule

Learn more about the award-winning Capsugel® Enprotect® capsule platform

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What are “enteric coated” capsules and why are they used?

Enteric coating refers to a dosage form (e.g. capsule) of an oral medication that is coated with a polymer. Gastro-resistant coating began in 1884 with keratin-coated pills, which failed to withstand gastric digestion. Since then, enteric coating has been widely used in the manufacturing of various drug formulations, including capsules.

The purposes of enteric coating are to promote optimal drug bioavailability by protecting an acid-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from early degradation in the acidic milieu of the stomach and reduce the incidence of gastric side-effects from exposure of gastric mucosa to harmful drugs. Additional benefits of enteric-coated capsules include helping improve product stability, taste, and ease of swallowing, while enabling modified release properties.

How are enteric capsules produced?

There are currently three approaches to the formulation of enteric capsules:

(1) Coating as an add-on, final step in the manufacturing process

(2) Solvent-based coating applied to capsules prior to filling

(3) Capsules made from gastro-resistant polymers that do not require additional coating

Polymers commonly used include cellulose acetate phthalate, methacrylic acid copolymers and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate.

How do enteric absorption sites differ?