Which of the following factors can impact drug absorption rates?

Drug absorption rates can be significantly affected by diet composition. The food we consume can influence the solubility and stability of a drug, as well as modify gastric emptying times and intestinal motility, which are crucial factors in how quickly a drug enters the bloodstream. For instance, fatty meals can enhance the absorption of lipophilic drugs, while certain foods can chelate with drugs, reducing their bioavailability.

While environmental temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure can have systemic effects on drug distribution and elimination, they do not directly influence the fundamental processes of absorption in the same way diet does. Diet has a direct and observable impact on how a drug is processed right from its entry into the body, making it a critical factor in pharmacokinetics. Understanding the interaction between food and drugs is essential for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and ensuring effective medication use.