Sustained release dosage form unit having latex coating and method of making the same

Dosage form unit is provided to deliver one or more beneficial agents into a fluid, such as liquid enteral nutritional product. The dosage form unit includes a core containing at least one beneficial agent, preferably a marker dye, which is dispersible in the fluid. The core also contains a compatible binding agent to bind the beneficial agent together. Additional components of the core may include a plasticizer, a standard flow agent, a lubricant, additional tableting aids and at least one hydrophilic agent. A latex coating encases the core. The latex coating includes a mixture containing a substantially hydrophobic base material, preferably formed from an emulsion of cellulose acetate microspheres, which is capable of defining a matrix-type membrane, and at least one hydrophilic component being dispersible in the fluid. A dispersible beneficial agent is preferred as one of the hydrophilic components of the latex coating to allow immediate release of the beneficial agent therefrom. A method of making the dosage form unit also is provided.