Which of the following is a dosage form that is not interchangeable with others?

The selection of the enteric-coated (EC) tablets as a dosage form that is not interchangeable with others is grounded in the specific release mechanism and intended effects that characterize this form. Enteric-coated tablets are designed to bypass the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the more alkaline environment of the intestines. This unique property is critical for drugs that may be degraded by stomach acid or that need to be absorbed in the intestine for therapeutic effectiveness.

Due to this specialized coating, substituting EC tablets with non-coated tablets or even other coated forms could result in reduced effectiveness or altered pharmacokinetics, as the timing and location of drug release would be significantly different. In contrast, oral tablets, topical creams, and liquid syrups can often be more interchangeable with each other, provided they do not contain the same specific release or stability requirements. For medications that are used in various forms, such as liquid versus solid, interchangeability can usually occur based on dosage adjustments and patient needs.

Thus, the unique characteristics of EC tablets make them non-interchangeable, establishing them as a specific formulation that serves a distinct purpose in pharmacotherapy.