Bioavailability

Bioavailability Is The Process Whereby A Drug Or Other Compound Is Absorbed Into The Bloodstream And Can Take Effect. It Is A Measure Of The Degree To Which The Drug Can Be Available To Its Target Site In The Body. Generally, Bioavailability Is Determined By Measuring The Amount Of A Compound In The Bloodstream Over Time Or The Effects The Drug Has On The Body. The Degree Of Bioavailability Varies Between Drugs And Can Vary From Person To Person Due To Different Factors. Pharmaceuticals Usually Have Limitations In Their Bioavailability Due To Their Solubility, Absorption, Metabolism, And Distribution. Poor Absorption Is The Most Common Factor Leading To Low Bioavailability. Other Factors That Can Affect Bioavailability Are Particle Size, Formulation, And Drug Solubility. Particles That Are Too Large Decrease Absorption And Therefore Reduce The Amount Of Drug That Is Able To Reach Its Target Site And Be Available To The Body. Formulation Affects Drug Absorption As Some Drug Products May Be Better Absorbed Than Others. In Addition To Pharmacological Factors, Lifestyle And Environmental Factors Can Also Affect Drug Bioavailability. Things Such As Diet, Exercise, And Stress Can Influence How The Body Absorbs And Utilizes Drugs. Absorption Of Fat-Soluble Drugs May Be Affected By High Fat Content Meals. Factors Such As Smoking, Alcohol Ice, And Age Can Also Cause A Decrease In Bioavailability Due To Their Effect On The Pharmacokinetics And Metabolism Of Drugs. Some Drugs Can Also Undergo A Process Of Chemical Degradation—Or Drug Instability—Affecting How Much Of The Drug Enters Into Circulation. Bioavailability Is A Useful Measure For Researchers To Determine The Amount Of A Active Ingredient That Enters Into The Body, Which Helps With Establish Dosage Regimens For Different Compounds To Ensure They Are Effective. By Understanding The Factors That Influence Bioavailability, Physicians Can Adjust Dosages Of Drugs So That They Are More Effective And Better Tolerated By Patients.