Question

List the factors that influence a drug’s bioavailability.

Short answer

The rate and extent of the bioavailability of a drug molecule to the target molecule depend on pharmaceutical factors and pharmacological factors.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

The process of developing new medicines based on the information about a biological target is known as drug design. Creating molecules that are complementary in structure and charge to the molecular target with which they interact and bind is the most fundamental level of drug design.

Bioavailability refers to how quickly and how much of a drug’s active concentrationis accessible at the target site of action or in the circulation.

Factors influencing the drug’s bioavailability

There are different factors influencing the bioavailability including:

Pharmaceutical factors

1. Particle size
2. Crystal form
3. Form of salt
4. Water hydration
5. Degree of ionization
6. Nature of excipients and adjuvants

Pharmacological factors

1. Gastric emptying and Gastrointestinal motility.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases.
3. Food and other substances.