Which of the following factors can affect drug absorption?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Ace your pharmacology exam. Use our detailed study materials, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with explanations and hints. Be exam-ready in no time!

Drug absorption is a crucial pharmacokinetic process that influences how effectively a medication reaches systemic circulation. The correct choice highlights factors such as solubility, stability, and gastrointestinal pH, all of which play significant roles in determining the rate and extent of drug absorption.

Solubility is essential for absorption because only drugs that dissolve can cross biological membranes, particularly in the digestive tract. A drug that is poorly soluble may not be absorbed well, even if it is administered correctly. Stability refers to the ability of a medication to maintain its chemical integrity in various environments, such as the gastrointestinal tract. If a drug is not stable, it may degrade before absorption can occur, thereby reducing its efficacy.

Gastrointestinal pH is another critical factor. The pH of the stomach and intestines can affect the ionization of a drug. Many drugs are weak acids or bases, and their ionized or non-ionized form will dictate their ability to permeate the intestinal lining. For instance, a weakly acidic drug may be better absorbed in the acidic environment of the stomach, whereas a weakly basic drug may be absorbed more efficiently in the more alkaline environment of the intestines.

In contrast, while genetic predisposition, age, weight, time of administration

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy