Some drugs are not absorbed at all following oral administration. However, nonabsorption of a drug via the oral route can be turned into a therapeutic advantage. Give an example and explain why this is a therapeutic advantage

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

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Neomycin can be given orally to exert its antibiotic effect solely in the intestinal tract to kill intestinal bacteria prior to abdominal surgery. Carafate, an antiulcer drug, is not absorbed following oral administration, but that is acceptable because its therapeutic effect is to bind directly to a stomach ulcer and form a protective coating so that the ulcer can heal. Another drug, Metamucil, also is not absorbed, but passes through the intestines, where it binds with water to increase stool bulk and exert its therapeutic effect to relieve constipation.