AIDS-HIV Treatment Briefs: The Real Thing

AIDS-HIV Treatment Briefs: The Real Thing

Step Perspective, Volume 5, Number 1; A Publication Of The Seattle Treatment Education Project - February 1993

Gastric acid is produced by the stomach to aid in digestion of food and is needed to absorb some medications. Many individuals with CD4 counts less than 100 or individuals taking antacids have decreased production of gastric acid. One of the drugs most commonly used by people with HIV which requires an acidic environment for absorption is Ketoconazole, which helps to combat thrush. The manufacturer recommends that individuals with decreased acid production dissolve the drug in 4 ml of 0.2 N HCl. Not only is HCl difficult for individuals to obtain, it can also damage tooth enamel.

A group of researchers did a study on the ability of various acidic beverages to dissolve Ketoconazole. Diet Coke was the clear winner. Coke Classic, Diet Sprite, and Polar Seltzer also did well. Iced tea, apple juice, and cranberry juice were less effective than the carbonated drinks, but more effective than orange juice or lemonade.

Further studies are needed to see if dissolving Ketoconazole in Diet Coke or simply drinking a diet Coke while swallowing the pill will actually increase the amount of the drug which is actually absorbed by the body.
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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1993 - Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) - All rights reserved. Noncommercial reproduction is encouraged. STEP is published four times a year by the Seattle Treatment Education Project, 127 Broadway East, 3rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98102. Email: step100@aol.com STEP web page

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1993. AEGIS.