Chapter 11 Physiological Factors Affecting Oral Absorption

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Physiological factors affecting oral absorption

Student Objectives for this Chapter

After completing the material in this chapter each student should:-

be able to describe membrane structure and how it might effect drug transport
be able to describe the differences between passive, facilitated and active transport
be able to describe the effect of parameters of Fick's first law on passive drug transport across membranes
be able to describe the relationship between GI physiology and drug absorption including changes in stomach emptying time and the presence of food

In the next few Chapters physiological, physical-chemical, and formulation factors which can influence the observed rate and extent of oral absorption will be discussed.

Looking briefly at the overall picture of drug absorption, distribution, and elimination.

Figure 11.1.1 Diagram Representing Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion

The ultimate goal is to have the drug reach the site of action in a concentration which produces a pharmacological effect. No matter how the drug is given (other than IV) it must pass through a number of biological membranes before it reaches the site of action.

We can start by looking at:

Membrane Physiology
- Considering the structure of membranes
- Transport processes
Gastrointestinal physiology
- Characteristics of gastrointestinal physiology
- Gastric motility and emptying
- Influence of food
- Other factors

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