Other Factors Affecting Drug Absorption and Distribution

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Other Factors Affecting Drug Absorption and Distribution

In addition to protein availability, other factors may affect drug absorption and distribution in the body as a whole or at specific sites within the body. The following table highlights some of these other factors.

Factor

Discussion

Regional blood flow Reduced area blood flow can be seen in diabetics and enhanced blood flow can be seen in tumors.

Lipid solubility of the drug

The more lipophilic a drug is, the more likely it will enter the central nervous system.
The integrity of the GI tract In a diseased gut, an orally-administered drug may not be absorbed as expected.
Age Drug kinetics and dispositions change throughout life. In general, metabolism of drugs is reduced in the elderly.
Genetics Mutations or deletions in drug metabolizing enzymes can greatly affect a drug's disposition.