What is the benefit of a buffered tablet?

A buffered tablet is designed primarily to reduce irritation caused by the medication when it comes into contact with the stomach lining. The buffering agents in these tablets help to neutralize stomach acid, creating a mild and less irritating environment. This is especially important for medications that can be harsh on the digestive tract, as it can enhance patient comfort and promote better adherence to the medication regimen.

In contrast, enhancing flavor is not a primary purpose of buffered tablets; while flavoring agents may be used in some medications, that's not the function of the buffering component. Similarly, buffered tablets do not typically offer a slow release of medication—that feature is related to a different formulation approach, such as extended-release or delayed-release medications. Lastly, while some tablets may dissolve better in water, buffering does not inherently relate to solubility in that way. The main benefit of buffering is its role in reducing gastrointestinal irritation through acid neutralization.