Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation and becomes available to its target in the body. In other words, it is the extent to which a drug is absorbed and utilized by the body after administration. Take for example a medication taken orally, bioavailability pertains to the amount of the medication that actually enters the bloodstream and reaches its intended destination.
There are numerous factors that affect the bioavailability of a drug, such as the method of administration (such as oral, injection, or topical), the solubility of the drug, and the pH of the environment it is administered to. Other factors include individual differences such as genetics, age, sex, and health status.
Measuring bioavailability is critical for the healthcare industry as it plays a significant role in drug formulation and dosing. Pharmaceutical companies rely on this metric to develop drugs that will be effectively absorbed and utilized in individual patients. The clinical establishment uses bioavailability measurements in selecting the most efficient drug delivery routes and that drugs have the desired therapeutic effect. Bioavailability information is also used to create reference ranges for dosing, determining drug interactions, and evaluating the efficacy of a product alongside its safety.
Bioavailability
Health Care Term
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation and becomes available to its target in the body. In other words, it is the extent to which a drug is absorbed and utilized by the body after administration. Take for example a medication taken orally, bioavailability pertains to the amount of the medication that actually enters the bloodstream and reaches its intended destination.
There are numerous factors that affect the bioavailability of a drug, such as the method of administration (such as oral, injection, or topical), the solubility of the drug, and the pH of the environment it is administered to. Other factors include individual differences such as genetics, age, sex, and health status.
Measuring bioavailability is critical for the healthcare industry as it plays a significant role in drug formulation and dosing. Pharmaceutical companies rely on this metric to develop drugs that will be effectively absorbed and utilized in individual patients. The clinical establishment uses bioavailability measurements in selecting the most efficient drug delivery routes and that drugs have the desired therapeutic effect. Bioavailability information is also used to create reference ranges for dosing, determining drug interactions, and evaluating the efficacy of a product alongside its safety.