Effect of Exercise on Drug Absorption

Abstract

For drugs administered orally, Drug absorption majorly takes place in the small intestine, with gastric emptying as a limiting step.[2] Exercise influences several physiological functions which may affect the absorption of drugs from small intestine, it as well redistributes cardiac output away from the splanchnic region, most likely due to increased sympathetic nervous activity.[1] Throughout the exercise period, there is decrease in pH of blood and muscle due to formation of lactic acid and this may alter drug ionization and polarity.[3] Increased sympathetic tone and the release of catecholamine’s during vigorous exercise are responsible for the inhibition of gastric emptying and this depends on the exercise conditions.[4] Regular exercise that last more than 1 hr will significantly delays gastric emptying and increases the frequency and amplitude of contractions in the duodenum.[5]