Diarrhea effect on absorption?

Diarrhea effect on absorption?

• A. Increased absorption due to faster transit
• B. Decreased absorption due to slower transit
• C. No change
• D. Decreased absorption due to faster transit

Answer: (D)

Diarrhea speeds up gut movement, so the drug spends less time in the absorptive portions of the intestine. Most absorption happens in the small intestine, where drugs must dissolve and cross the mucosa. When transit is rapid, there’s less opportunity for dissolution and for the drug to be absorbed, leading to lower systemic exposure. That’s why the statement describing decreased absorption due to faster transit is the best answer. In some rare cases, drugs that dissolve instantly or are absorbed in other regions might be less affected, but the general rule is that faster transit from diarrhea reduces absorption.

Diarrhea speeds up gut movement, so the drug spends less time in the absorptive portions of the intestine. Most absorption happens in the small intestine, where drugs must dissolve and cross the mucosa. When transit is rapid, there’s less opportunity for dissolution and for the drug to be absorbed, leading to lower systemic exposure. That’s why the statement describing decreased absorption due to faster transit is the best answer. In some rare cases, drugs that dissolve instantly or are absorbed in other regions might be less affected, but the general rule is that faster transit from diarrhea reduces absorption.