Name one factor that can affect the absorption of anthelmintic drugs.

The presence of food in the stomach significantly affects the absorption of anthelmintic drugs because food can alter the dissolution and solubility of these medications. When anthelmintics are taken with food, the gastric environment changes, potentially enhancing or inhibiting the drug's ability to be absorbed into the bloodstream. For some medications, food may increase their bioavailability, while for others, it can reduce absorption by binding to the drug or altering the gastric pH. This interaction is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy, as it influences how much of the drug enters systemic circulation and reaches the site of action against the helminths. Understanding this factor is vital for healthcare providers when prescribing these medications to ensure effective treatment against parasitic infections.