How drugs are absorbed into your body…..
When you take a pill, it undergoes several steps to be absorbed and exert its effects on your body. Here’s an overview of the process:
1. Ingestion
The pill is swallowed, typically with water, and travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
2. Dissolution in the Stomach
Coatings and Shells: Some pills have a protective coating (e.g., enteric-coated) to prevent them from dissolving in the acidic environment of the stomach. These are designed to dissolve in the less acidic small intestine.Stomach Acid: For pills without special coatings, stomach acid and enzymes start breaking them down, releasing the active ingredients.
3. Absorption in the Small Intestine
Main Site of Absorption: The majority of absorption occurs in the small intestine due to its large surface area and rich blood supply.
Transport into the Bloodstream: The active ingredients pass through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream via diffusion or specialized transport mechanisms.
4. First-Pass Metabolism (in the Liver)
Hepatic Portal System: Once absorbed, the drug is transported to the liver, where it may undergo metabolism. This process, called the first-pass effect, can reduce the amount of active drug that reaches systemic circulation.
5. Distribution Through the Bloodstream
The drug travels through the bloodstream to its target site(s) in the body.
Binding to proteins or tissues can affect the drug’s availability to exert its effects.
6. Action at Target Sites
The drug interacts with specific receptors or systems in the body to produce its therapeutic effects.
7. Elimination
The body eliminates the drug via the kidneys (urine), liver (bile, feces), or other pathways like sweat or breath.
Factors Affecting Absorption:
Type of Pill:
Immediate-release vs. extended-release formulations.
Presence of Food:
Some drugs absorb better on an empty stomach, while others require food to avoid irritation or enhance absorption.
Health Conditions:
Issues like gastrointestinal disorders can affect how drugs are absorbed.
Drug Interactions:
Certain substances can enhance or inhibit drug absorption.
Understanding these steps helps patients follow proper guidelines, like taking medication with or without food and adhering to dosing schedules, to maximize effectiveness and safety.
VDO
