The present invention provides methods for preparing a coated pharmaceutical composition comprising the steps of a) providing a pharmaceutically active agent or a nutraceutical; b) providing a solution or a dispersion of a polyvinyl-based, cellulose-based, acrylate-based, or shellac polymeric coating composition, and mixtures thereof, in a solvent selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alcohols, acetone, and ethyl acetate; and c) coating the pharmaceutical active agent or nutraceutical from step (a) with the coating composition from step (b) in a fluid bed processor by spraying the coating solution from a top spray position downwardly onto the pharmaceutical active agent or nutraceutical to provide the coated pharmaceutical composition. The polymer from the coating composition is present in the coated pharmaceutical composition in an amount from about 1% w/w to about 15% w/w on a dry weight basis.