Which type of tablet is specifically coated to bypass the stomach to avoid dissolving prematurely?

Enteric-coated tablets are specifically designed to bypass the stomach and dissolve in the more alkaline environment of the intestines. This particular coating helps protect the active ingredient from the acidic conditions of the stomach, which can degrade some medications or cause gastrointestinal irritation. By ensuring that the tablet breaks down only after it has passed through the stomach, enteric coating optimizes the release and absorption of the medication at the intended site in the digestive tract.

In contrast, extended-release and controlled-release formulations are primarily focused on releasing their active ingredients slowly over an extended period of time but do not specifically target the stomach's acidity. Chewable tablets, on the other hand, are meant to be chewed and swallowed, allowing them to dissolve quickly in the mouth rather than bypass the stomach altogether. Thus, the unique purpose of enteric coating is what makes it the correct answer in this context.