Enteric coated naproxen tablets.

It is postulated that the gastroduodenal mucosal side effects of naproxen are partly based on topical toxicity. With enteric coated aspirin tablets as a model product, enteric coated naproxen formulations have been developed. The extent of absorption is the same for enteric coated and plain tablets. The onset of absorption is delayed as a result of retention of larger particles in the stomach and more so when taken along with food. The gastric emptying of enteric coated naproxen granules is less influenced by food intake, but so far without any verified reduction of gastroscopic findings. The gastro-intestinal transmit has been studied by use of gamma scintigraphy.