Question

Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs are in the form of salts (ex. omeprazole magnesium). In a few sentences, briefly explain why these drugs come in salt form in terms of intermolecular forces and absorption into the body. When you consider these drugs refer to a generalized structure not a specific molecule. Read and refer to the article on the website below.

https://www.drugs.com/article/pharmaceutical-salts.html

Answer 1

A drug is usually in an acid or base form and is water insoluble. To make it water soluble, it is converted into salt. For example, a water insoluble amine is converted to water soluble hydrochloride salt. The water insoluble form cannot be absorbed into body whereas the water soluble salt can be easily absorbed into body. Thus salt formation enhances water solubility and body absorption of drug. Conversion of drug to a salt makes it more polar. Its solubilitiy in polar water increases as dipole dipole interactions increases.

Conversion of drug into salt formation also enables use to use controlled-release dosage forms, the stability of the drug increases, the drug can be delivered to the target in the gastrointestinal tract, the taste and the effectiveness of drug can be improved. It also reduces pain on injection, extends the life of patent.