Tag: Drug ionization

A study of 271 common oral medications revealed that 66% were metabolized by at least one type of gut bacteria, a process heavily influenced by the local gut environment [1.7.1]. This highlights a key pharmacological principle: **Why is pH important in drug absorption?** It determines a drug's ionization state, which dictates its ability to cross biological membranes and enter the bloodstream [1.2.1, 1.4.1].

Over 80% of marketed drugs are considered weak acids or weak bases, meaning they are not simply 'acidic' or 'alkaline' but have a complex relationship with pH. This fundamental property dictates how a drug behaves in different parts of the body, profoundly impacting its absorption and overall effectiveness. Understanding the principles of ionization is key to comprehending how medications work.