Final answer:
A drug used to coat the stomach before eating is typically administered orally (p.o.) and taken before meals (p.c.) to reduce stomach acid and treat various conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A drug that is used to coat the stomach before eating is typically administered per os (p.o.), which means 'by mouth'. Antacids and other gastric acid reducing medications like Hâ‚‚-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors are taken orally to decrease the production of acid in the stomach. Drugs such as ranitidine, famotidine, and omeprazole are used to treat various stomach conditions, including ulcers, GERD, and conditions with excessive stomach acid production. These medications are usually taken before meals (p.c., which stands for 'post cibum') to coat the stomach and protect it from the effects of acid.