Enteric coated medications are designed to be absorbed in which part of the digestive system?

Enteric coated medications are specifically designed to dissolve and be absorbed in the small intestine. This coating protects the medication from the acidic environment of the stomach, which can degrade certain drugs or cause irritation. By delaying the release of the medication until it reaches the small intestine, the enteric coating ensures that the active ingredient is more effectively absorbed in a more neutral pH environment. This design is crucial for medications that require a specific absorption site to maximize their therapeutic effect and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

The stomach, large intestine, and esophagus do not provide the optimal conditions for the medication's absorption due to acidity, different transit times, and other factors. Therefore, the small intestine is the correct answer as it serves as the primary site for the absorption of enteric coated drugs.