What Does Ion Trapping Do

Ion trapping alters the urine pH to inhibit reabsorption of toxins across the renal tubular membranes. The principle behind this approach is to “trap” the toxin in its ionized form in the urine where it can be excreted.

What is ionized and unionized drugs?

Most drugs are weak acids or bases that are present in solution as both the ionized and unionized forms. Ionized molecules are usually unable to penetrate lipid cell membranes because they are hydrophilic and poorly lipid soluble. Unionized molecules are usually lipid soluble and can diffuse across cell membranes.

What is the pH partition theory?

pH partition is the tendency for acids to accumulate in basic fluid compartments, and bases to accumulate in acidic compartments. The reason for this phenomenon is that acids become negatively electric charged in basic fluids, since they donate a proton.