Weak bases, gastrointestinal absorption

For drugs administered oraUy, impaired gastrointestinal (GI) absorption is an important consideration. For example, aluminum ions in certain antacids or ferrous ions in oral iron supplements form insoluble chelates of tetracycline antibiotics, thereby preventing their absorption. The antifungal ketoconazole is a weak base that is only soluble at acid pH. Drugs that inhibit gastric acidity, such as the proton pump inhibitors and histamine Hj receptor antagonists, impair the dissolution and absorption of ketoconazole. 

D. Enhancement of Elimination Enhancement of elimination is possible for a number of toxins, including manipulation of urine pH to accelerate renal excretion of weak acids and bases. For example, alkaline diuresis is effective in toxicity due to fluoride, isoniazid, fluoroquinolones, phenobarbital, and salicylates. Urinary acidiflcation may be useful in toxicity due to weak bases, including amphetamines, nicotine, and phencyclidine, but care must be taken to avoid acidosis and renal failure in rhabdomyolysis. Hemodialysis or hemoperfusion enhances the elimination of many toxic compounds, including acetaminophen, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, lithium, methanol, procainamide, quinidine, salicylates, and theophylline. Cathartics such as sorbitol (70%) may decrease absorption and hasten removal of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. 

FIGURE 2-3 Effect of phi and ionization on absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract. Weak acids and bases are absorbed from the stomach and duodenum, respectively, when they are in their neutral, nonionized form. 

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