An overview on developing the formulation to keep away the food impact on absorption

The most preferable route for the delivery of therapeutic molecules is the oral site. However; the physicochemical factors of drug and biological processes significantly affects the absorption of drug. The co-administration of oral formulations along with the meal is a major factor that governs the bioavailability of drugs in comparison to the fasting state by varying the transit time. Presence of food alters the gastric emptying rate, gastric pH, bile flow, hepatic and splanchnic blood flow along with it leads to the physical interaction with drug which creates trouble in rate and extent of absorption. One needs to consider the possible food-drug interaction while deciding the dose and type of formulation. The presence of food can dramatically change the effect of a drug, with both possibilities being either a less therapeutic effect than expected due to a lower absorption of the drug or unexpected side effects as a consequence of the rapid absorption of the drug. Commonly used drugs like propranolol and ketoconazole showed improved absorption in presence of food, whereas; levothyroxine and ciprofloxacin found to be 40–50 % less bioavailable after meal. Henceforth; by considering the food impact on the drug’s bioavailability, many of regulatory agencies are now demanding the data in association with the food-induced dissolution and absorption of drugs. In recent years, researchers have taken the initiative and developed different kinds of dosage forms to tackle the problem of drug-food interactions. The present review provides emphasis on the food interactions along with the approaches to uplift drug bioavailability.