What should not be given with enteric coated medications?

Enteric-coated medications are designed to prevent dissolution and release of the medication until it reaches the small intestine, protecting the drug from being activated in the stomach, which can be harsh on certain medications. When it comes to administering these medications, it's important not to interfere with their intended release mechanism.

Milk and antacids can alter the pH in the stomach or interact with the medication, which may lead to premature dissolution of the enteric coating. This can cause the medication to release its active ingredient too early, potentially diminishing its effectiveness or causing irritation to the stomach lining.

The other options, such as caffeine, water, and fruit juices, do not typically affect the enteric coating in the same manner and thus, might be more compatible with the administration of enteric-coated medications. Therefore, the recommendation against using milk or antacids with these medications is rooted in ensuring the effective delivery of the medication and maintaining its intended therapeutic action.