Drug metabolism

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Drug metabolism

Drug metabolism (pronunciation: /drʌɡ mɛtəˈbɒlɪzəm/) is the biochemical modification of pharmaceutical substances by living organisms, usually through specialized enzymatic systems. This is a form of xenobiotic metabolism.

Etymology

The term "drug metabolism" is derived from the Greek words "druggon" meaning "drug" and "metabole" meaning "change".

Process

Drug metabolism often converts lipophilic compounds into more readily excreted polar products. Its rate is an important determinant of the duration and intensity of the pharmacological action of drugs.

Enzymes

Drug metabolism is usually divided into three phases. In phase I, enzymes such as cytochrome P450 oxidases introduce reactive or polar groups into xenobiotics. These modified compounds are then conjugated to polar compounds in phase II reactions. These reactions are catalysed by transferase enzymes such as glutathione S-transferases. Finally, in phase III, the conjugated xenobiotics may be further processed, before being recognised by efflux transporters and pumped out of cells.

Factors affecting drug metabolism

The factors that affect drug metabolism are the genetic makeup of an individual, age, sex, diet, and disease state.

Related terms

External links

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