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Oral Bioavailability

Meaning

Oral bioavailability is a fundamental pharmacokinetic parameter that quantifies the fraction of an orally administered drug dose that reaches the systemic circulation in an unchanged, biologically active form. It is expressed as a percentage and is a crucial determinant of a medication’s efficacy and dosing regimen, particularly for hormonal agents. Low oral bioavailability often necessitates higher doses or alternative routes of administration to achieve therapeutic blood concentrations. Clinicians must account for this when titrating therapy.