Role of drug absorption in the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic interventions for stroke.

Absorption is a critical component of the pharmacokinetics for solid dosage forms administered orally. Many barriers must be overcome in order for a drug molecule to reach its effect site. To effectively address each of these barriers, drug-specific properties, formulation issues, and (patho)physiological changes in the gastrointestinal tract must be considered. First-pass metabolism in the gut and/or liver can dictate the extent to which a drug reaches the systemic circulation. Drug-metabolizing enzymes in the gut and liver are very susceptible to inhibition by other drugs, increasing the risk of drug interactions. In this paper, we will discuss absorption-related issues for solid dosage forms used in the management of stroke patients.