Codrug

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Codrug

Codrug (pronunciation: /koʊ-drʌg/) is a term used in pharmacology to describe a single molecule that contains two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Etymology

The term "codrug" is a portmanteau of the words "co" (meaning together) and "drug". It was coined to describe a drug design strategy where two pharmacologically active compounds are combined into a single entity.

Definition

A codrug is a type of prodrug that is designed to improve the delivery of two or more active drugs. The active drugs are chemically linked to form a single molecule, which is then metabolized in the body to release the active drugs. This strategy is often used to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs, such as their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).

Related Terms

  • Prodrug: A prodrug is a medication or compound that, after administration, is metabolically converted into a pharmacologically active drug. Unlike a codrug, a prodrug only contains one active pharmaceutical ingredient.
  • Pharmacokinetics: Pharmacokinetics is the study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.
  • Metabolism: Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions in living organisms that are necessary to maintain life. In the context of pharmacology, it refers to the process by which drugs are broken down in the body to be either used or excreted.
  • Absorption (pharmacology): Absorption is the process by which a drug moves from the site of administration to the bloodstream.
  • Distribution (pharmacology): Distribution is the dispersion or dissemination of substances throughout the fluids and tissues of the body.
  • Excretion: Excretion is the process by which waste products of metabolism and other non-useful materials are eliminated from an organism.

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