What is the consequence of a drug being inactivated by stomach enzymes?

When a drug is inactivated by stomach enzymes, the primary consequence is that it cannot be taken orally. This is because the stomach’s acidic environment and its enzymes can break down certain medications before they enter the systemic circulation. When a drug is rendered inactive in the stomach, it would not exert any therapeutic effects once it reaches the bloodstream.

For many drugs, oral administration is the most convenient route, but if they are subject to extensive degradation by stomach enzymes, alternative routes (such as intravenous or subcutaneous administration) become necessary. This ensures that the drug can be delivered effectively to the body without loss of potency.

Other considerations, like requiring higher doses or taking with food, generally relate to the pharmacokinetics and absorption characteristics of the medication, rather than the direct consequence of enzymatic inactivation. Similarly, a drug being absorbed faster does not pertain to its inactivation by stomach enzymes, as degradation typically leads to reduced bioavailability and, therefore, potentially slower absorption.