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How long does the body need to absorb the drug?

 



For a drug to be effective, it must be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or depending on where the drug is taken. The absorption time of the drug varies depending on many factors, which we will learn about in this article.

How long does it take the body to absorb the drug?

After the drug is taken by mouth, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to dissolve because it is covered with a special coating that helps protect it from stomach acids that affect its absorption.  Time due to the difference in the rate of absorption in the stomach and intestines which depends on a combination of the following factors:

  • Presence of food in the intestine.
  • drug particle size.
  • Acidity of the intestinal content.

Does food affect drug absorption?

Yes, the absorption of medicines is affected by the type of food and the time they are taken, so there is no specific rule for the times of taking the medicine, and these times vary according to the group of medicines.   On an empty stomach, that is, take the medication one hour before eating or two hours after eating, and among the exceptions to this rule are anti-inflammatories and aspirin, and it is preferable to take them immediately after meals, so it is It is always recommended to consult a   The doctor or pharmacist in time to take the medicine.

What factors affect drug absorption?

Several factors play an important role in determining the time required for complete absorption of the drug, including the following:

  • The form of the medicine if the medicine is liquid, pill or injection.
  • The method of drug administration if the drug is taken intravenously, intramuscularly, or stomachally.
  • age.
  • Weight.
  • sex.
  • physical activity level.
  • Stress and psychological tension.
  • Stomach Contents and pH: Stomach acids slow down the action of some medications.
  • The presence of other drugs.

Ways to increase drug absorption.

In fact, there is no specific way to increase the absorption of drugs, but there are some common tips to increase the absorption of certain drugs:
  • Iron supplements: It is recommended to take them with foods and juices rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice.
  • Vitamin D: It is preferable to eat foods rich in fat, since it is a fat-soluble vitamin.
  • Zinc supplements: It is preferable to eat foods rich in animal protein such as beef, in order to increase the absorption of zinc from your supplements.

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