(2) Use. The chewable tablet is used when the patient cannot swallow a
whole tablet. Further, the chewable tablet is used whenever the tablet needs to be
broken down before entering the patient's stomach. Chewable children's vitamins are
frequently seen advertised.
c. Enteric-Coated Tablets.
(1) Definition. An enteric-coated tablet is a tablet that has a special outer
covering designed to dissolve in the small intestine. Once the enteric-coating is
dissolved, the tablet disintegrates and the active ingredient can be absorbed by the
patient.
(2) Use. Enteric-coated tablets are used when the active ingredient is
destroyed by substances in the stomach. In addition, enteric-coated tablets are
indicated when the stomach is irritated by the drug in the tablet.
d. Buccal Tablets.
(1) Definition. A buccal tablet is designed to be dissolved in the mouth
between the cheek and gum.
(2) Use. Buccal tablets are used when the drug is unstable in the stomach
or when a rapid onset of drug action is desired.
e. Sublingual Tablets.
(1)
Definition. A sublingual tablet is dissolved in the mouth under the
tongue.
(2) Use. Sublingual tablets are used when the drug is unstable in the
stomach or when a rapid onset of drug action is desired. For example, nitroglycerin
tablets are placed under the tongue by patients who are having certain types of cardiac
(heart) difficulties.
f. Effervescent Tablets.
(1) Definition. Effervescent tablets are dissolved in water with a subsequent
release of carbon dioxide. Effervescent tablets should always be dissolved in water
since patients who swallow the tablets whole can experience certain gastrointestinal
difficulties.
(2) Use. Effervescent tablets are easily placed in solution for a patient to
drink. The patient absorbs the drug more rapidly because the active ingredient is in
solution.
MD0809
6-7