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Patients with a compromised digestive system may have to suffer the lack of drug absorption due to several factors. The most essential factor is the length of the bowel left after the removal of the section of the bowel. Small bowel, due to its large area, receives the high blood flow, which makes it the most crucial site for drug absorption. Removal of a large section of the small bowel can lead to an affected drug absorbing capability.

That said, people with ileostomies are at a higher risk of having an affected drug absorbing capability. Similarly, individuals who have sections of their bowel removed but do not have an ostomy are also at a higher risk.

Ensuring drug absorption

You may want to follow a few tips to ensure the effective absorption of the drugs you take. If you have an ileostomy, you may want to take medications that dissolve quickly in your gut. Medicines that dissolve quickly are more ready to absorb. Medicines in the form of liquid and uncoated tablets also tend to absorb more quickly.

Narcotic analgesics

These are the drugs known for slowing down the intestinal peristalsis. It can lead to a constipation-like effect, which is generally needed to treat severe diarrhea. Narcotic analgesics mainly include Dilaudid®, Demerol®, Percocet®, Percodan®, Tylenol®, and Talwin®.

Antibiotics

Because of their ability to affect the good bacterial flora, oral antibiotics are generally problematic for patients with ostomies. These medicines kill bad bacteria, but they eliminate good bacteria as well. This change in flora can lead to diarrhea, which may also include the loss of electrolyte, resulting in the patient having dehydration. Taking probiotics after a course of antibiotics can help a patient regain some good bacteria.

Antacids

You can determine the impact of antacids by taking into consideration the type of your stoma and the class of antacids you take. Listed below is the classification of antacids:

Aluminum hydroxide gels
Calcium carbonate
Magnesium/aluminum hydroxide combinations

The use of calcium carbonate antacids can result in a constipation-like effect, while magnesium-containing antacids may lead to diarrhea. Individuals with ileostomies have to be wary about the use of any kind of antacid that may not be suitable. Hydroxide gels may be more suitable because they can cause constipation.

Patients with ileostomies may find it more beneficial to have aluminum hydroxide gel antacid because it can help them control their stomal output for good. On the other hand, patients having constipation might benefit from using magnesium-containing products.

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