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.