Intestinal absorption passive diffusion

Let us assume passive diffusion as the main driving force for absorption. Passive diffusion can be calculated by applying Fick s first law to the flux through the intestinal wall. At each point i on the intestinal surface, the flux J, is ... 

FIG. 2 Mechanisms of drug transfer in the cellular layers that line different compartments in the body. These mechanisms regulate drug absorption, distribution, and elimination. The figure illustrates these mechanisms in the intestinal wall. (1) Passive transcellular diffusion across the lipid bilayers, (2) paracellular passive diffusion, (3) efflux by P-glycoprotein, (4) metabolism during drug absorption, (5) active transport, and (6) transcytosis [251]. 

Artursson, R, Epithelial transport of drugs in cell culture. I A model for studying the passive diffusion of drugs over intestinal absorptive (Caco-2) cells, J. Pharm. Sci. 79, 476-482 (1990). 

The jejunal perfusion approach generates data which may be used to predict absorption/bioavailability and to establish in vivo-in vitro correlation (IVIVC) even for extended release (ER) products. If a dmg is transported mainly by passive diffusion and has a jejunal Peff higher than metoprolol (1.5 x 10-4 cm s 1 = high-permeability compound), it can be expected to be completely absorbed throughout the small and large intestine [5, 46]. 

Figure 2.11 A comparison between human and rat effective intestinal permeability coefficients (Peff). The equation describes the correlation for passive diffusion. The inset shows the Peff values in the lower range ( = passive absorption A = carrier-mediated absorption) [46, 47],...

Many drugs have been recognized to cross the intestinal epithelial cells via passive diffusion, thus their lipophilicity has been considered important. However, as described above, recent studies have demonstrated that a number of drug transporters including uptake and efflux systems determine the membrane transport process. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the basic characteristics of major drug transporters responsible not only for absorption but also for disposition and excretion in order to delineate the impact of drug transport proteins on pharmacokinetics. 

In reality, there is more than just passive diffusion at work for drugs to traverse the cell membrane. Most drugs are absorbed in the intestine. Often, if an oral drug is taken and a fast response is desired, the drug is taken on an empty stomach to ensure a quick passage through the stomach for absorption in the intestine to take place. 

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