Drug Metabolism

Definition

Drug metabolism refers to the body's process of breaking down and processing pharmaceutical substances.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Drug metabolism is the biochemical modification of pharmaceutical substances or xenobiotics by living organisms, usually through specialized enzymatic systems. This process often involves the liver and is primarily responsible for the conversion of drugs into hydrophilic metabolites that can be easily excreted.

Benefits

• Helps in the elimination of drugs from the body.
• Converts potentially harmful substances into less active compounds.
• Facilitates the safe administration of medications by ensuring that drugs are processed effectively.

Examples

• The liver uses enzymes like cytochrome P450 to metabolize drugs.
• A pregnant woman's body processes drugs differently, which can affect dosage and effectiveness.

Additional Information

• Effects: Drug metabolism can influence the efficacy and toxicity of medications, especially during pregnancy and lactation where metabolic pathways may be altered.

Related Terms

• Pharmacokinetics

References

• Pharmacokinetics in Pregnancy: Regulatory Guidance and Perspective on Drug Development and Dosing Considerations
• Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics in Pregnancy