Pharmacokinetics of Drug Absorption

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs move through the body. One critical aspect of pharmacokinetics is drug absorption, which refers to the process of a drug entering the bloodstream. Absorption primarily occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, where drugs must pass through various barriers to reach systemic circulation. Factors influencing drug absorption include the drug's physicochemical properties, formulation, and the characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract. For instance, lipophilic drugs are absorbed more readily than hydrophilic ones due to their ability to pass through cell membranes more easily. Additionally, the presence of food in the stomach can alter drug absorption rates by affecting drug solubility or interfering with the drug's interaction with transporters and enzymes. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of drug absorption is crucial for dosing regimens, as drugs with low bioavailability may require higher doses to achieve therapeutic effects.