ABSTRACT
The primary function of the stomach is mechanical and chemical digestion of food. Absorption is secondary. Consequently, several factors influence the transit and stability of a drug in the stomach, thereby influencing gastric emptying time (GET). The presence of food delays absorption and dilutes the contents of the stomach, thus reducing subsequent drug transit. An increase in the relative pH of the stomach causes a negative feedback inhibition of stomach churning and motility, which also results in delay of gastric emptying. Any factor that slows stomach motility will increase the amount of time in the stomach, prolonging the GET. Thus, the longer the GET, the greater the duration of a chemical within the stomach, and the more the susceptibility to gastric
enzyme degradation and acid hydrolysis. In addition, prolonged GET delays passage to, and subsequent absorption in, the intestinal tract.
