Aspirin is absorbed more readily when it is

• A. Swallowed
• B. Chewed
• C. Enteric-coated
• D. Dissolved in water

Answer: (B)

Absorption rate is driven by how quickly a drug dissolves and how much surface area is exposed to the absorbing tissues. Chewing aspirin breaks the tablet into many smaller pieces, dramatically increasing surface area and speeding its dissolution in saliva and gastric fluids. This rapid dissolution lets acetylsalicylic acid enter the bloodstream more quickly, producing a faster onset of action. Swallowing the tablet whole slows the process because it must disintegrate first, delaying dissolution. An enteric-coated form resists stomach dissolution entirely and shifts absorption to the intestine, which slows onset. Dissolving aspirin in water aids dissolution, but chewing provides the greatest and fastest exposure to the absorbing surfaces, making absorption quicker.