The influence of food on the absorption and metabolism of drugs: an update.

Food-drug interactions can lead to a loss of therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects of drug therapy. Generally, the effect of food on drugs results in a reduction in the drug's bioavailability; however, food can also alter drug clearance. The benefits of considering metabolism and pharmacokinetic information in the drug discovery process have been highlighted by Humphrey and Smith (79) and the process of rational drug design should include considerations of the chemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the drug (80) and the impact of diet on these parameters.