What might be a consequence of taking a drug that is improperly absorbed?

Taking a drug that is improperly absorbed can lead to reduced therapeutic effects. This occurs because the drug may not reach the systemic circulation in adequate amounts to exert its intended pharmacological action. If the medication is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, for example, the concentration of the active drug in the bloodstream may be below the therapeutic threshold needed to effectively alleviate the condition being treated.

In contrast, while enhanced side effects might occur in some cases, they typically result from elevated drug levels rather than absorption issues. Immediate relief of symptoms would generally be associated with proper absorption and reaching effective drug concentration quickly, and improvements in drug metabolism would not logically follow from improper absorption. Overall, the fundamental pharmacokinetic principle here is that absorption is critical for achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes, and any impairment in this process can significantly diminish a drug's efficacy.