The effect of medication on an empty stomach?

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:) Does a medication given on empty stomach absorb more slowly or rapidly? Is it affected by enzymes in the colon or can it be neutralized by pancreatic enzymes? Or does it depend?

Tweety, BSN, RN

33,506 Posts

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Depends. Things like enteric coating tabs and slow released tabs pass into the intestines for slower absorbption. Generally speaking I empty stomachs aborb pills faster. Some medications require being taken on an empty stomach, some are better taken with foods.

It's all variable. Pharmacology is fun isn't it? :)

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