What absorption issue is associated with the administration of fluconazole in patients with gastroparesis?

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication that requires adequate absorption for effective therapeutic outcomes. In patients with gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying, the absorption of fluconazole can be significantly affected. When the gastric emptying is delayed, medications remain in the stomach for a prolonged period before being delivered to the intestine, where absorption predominantly occurs.

This delay can lead to variable serum concentrations of the drug, potentially reducing its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. In the case of fluconazole, which is primarily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, this delayed transit can hinder the timely absorption necessary for achieving effective antifungal levels in the body. Therefore, the absorption issue associated with fluconazole administration in patients with gastroparesis is primarily due to the delayed gastric emptying characteristic of the condition.