Bioavailability: Definition, Types, Factors Affecting, and Methods to Enhance

Bioavailability refers to the extent to which a drug or other substance is absorbed into the body and becomes available for its intended physiological action. It is a crucial concept in pharmacology and therapeutics as it determines the efficacy and safety of a drug.

Bioavailability & Bioequivalence: Definition & types of bioavailability, factors affecting bioavailablity, methods to assess bioavailabilty, difference between bioequivalence and bioavailability

by Yasir Chohan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Types of Bioavailability

There are two main types of bioavailability:

• Absolute bioavailability: Compares the amount of drug that reaches systemic circulation with the amount of drug administered.
• Relative bioavailability: Compares the amount of drug that reaches systemic circulation from one formulation to another.

Factors Affecting Bioavailability

Numerous factors can influence bioavailability, including:

i. Physicochemical Properties:

ii. Physiological Factors:

iii. Formulation Factors:

iv. Drug-Specific Factors:

v. Other Factors:

Methods to Enhance Bioavailability

Several methods can be employed to improve bioavailability, including:

• Increasing solubility: Using surfactants or cosolvents to enhance solubility.
• Improving dissolution rate: Micronizing or forming complexes with cyclodextrins can increase dissolution rate.
• Modifying pH: Buffering the formulation or co-administering antacids can adjust pH for optimal drug absorption.
• Reducing first-pass metabolism: Using prodrugs or bypassing the liver through alternative routes of administration.
• Inhibiting efflux transporters: Co-administering inhibitors of efflux transporters can block drug efflux and enhance bioavailability.
• Modifying dosage form: Using enteric coatings or sustained-release formulations can protect drugs from degradation and prolong absorption.

Bioavailability is a critical parameter in drug development and optimization. Understanding the factors affecting bioavailability allows researchers to design and formulate drugs for maximum therapeutic efficacy and safety. By employing strategies to enhance bioavailability, clinicians can optimize drug absorption and achieve desired patient outcomes.

Bioavailability & Bioequivalence: Definition & types of bioavailability, factors affecting bioavailablity, methods to assess bioavailabilty, difference between bioequivalence and bioavailability

by Yasir Chohan

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE