The effect of medication on an empty stomach?

:) 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]

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? :)