Asksia AI LOGO

Sia

Question
Chemistry
Posted 10 months ago
calculate the degree of ionisation of codeine (shown below), in the stomach (pH = 2) and the intestine (pH = 8). With regards to the ADME process, describe how the degree of ionisation of codeine will affect its absorption in the stomach and the intestine
Sign in to unlock the answer
Answer from Sia
Posted 10 months ago
Solution
1
Identify the pKa of codeine: To calculate the degree of ionisation, we need to know the pKa of codeine, which is approximately 8.2. This value indicates the pH at which half of the codeine molecules are ionised
2
Calculate the degree of ionisation in the stomach (pH = 2): Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, we can calculate the ratio of ionised to unionised codeine at pH 2. The equation is given by: pH=pKa+log([A-][HA]) \text{pH} = \text{pKa} + \log \left( \frac{\text{[A-]}}{\text{[HA]}} \right) , where [A-] is the concentration of ionised codeine and [HA] is the concentration of unionised codeine
3
Calculate the degree of ionisation in the intestine (pH = 8): Similarly, we use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to calculate the ratio of ionised to unionised codeine at pH 8
4
Describe the effect on absorption: The degree of ionisation affects a drug's absorption because ionised molecules are generally less lipophilic and therefore less able to pass through the lipid membranes of cells. In the stomach, with a lower pH, codeine will be predominantly in its unionised form, which is more lipophilic and can be absorbed more easily. In the intestine, with a higher pH, codeine will be more ionised and less lipophilic, which may reduce its absorption
Answer
In the stomach (pH = 2), codeine will be largely unionised and more readily absorbed. In the intestine (pH = 8), codeine will be more ionised and less readily absorbed.
Key Concept
The degree of ionisation of a drug affects its absorption, with unionised forms generally being more readily absorbed.
Explanation
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is used to calculate the degree of ionisation of codeine at different pH levels, which in turn affects its absorption in the ADME process.

Not the question you are looking for? Ask here!

Enter question by text

Enter question by image

Unlock Smarter Learning with AskSia Super!

Join Super, our all-in-one AI solution that can greatly improve your learning efficiency.

30% higher accuracy than GPT-4o
Entire learning journey support
The most student-friendly features
Study Other Question