Where are weak bases ion trapped?

Study for the Pharmaceutics Xenobiotics Across Bio Membrane Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Get ready for your pharmacy exam!

Multiple Choice

Where are weak bases ion trapped?

Explanation:
Weak bases become protonated in acidic environments, turning into charged conjugate acids that cannot cross lipid membranes easily. This causes the drug to accumulate in the compartment where the pH is very low. The stomach is highly acidic, with a pH around 1–3, so a weak base will be protonated there and trapped as a charged species. In the small intestine, colon, or blood, the pH is higher, so the base remains largely uncharged and can cross membranes, resulting in less trapping. Therefore, the weak base is ion trapped in the stomach.

Weak bases become protonated in acidic environments, turning into charged conjugate acids that cannot cross lipid membranes easily. This causes the drug to accumulate in the compartment where the pH is very low. The stomach is highly acidic, with a pH around 1–3, so a weak base will be protonated there and trapped as a charged species. In the small intestine, colon, or blood, the pH is higher, so the base remains largely uncharged and can cross membranes, resulting in less trapping. Therefore, the weak base is ion trapped in the stomach.

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