Drug Metabolism

The sum of biochemical reactions through which medicines are transformed and absorbed into the body is referred to as drug metabolism. The passage of the drugs through the body is very important for the very effect expected from a certain treatment. Drugs nevertheless, are created in such a way so as to correspond to the organic processes specific to the body functioning for the digestive tract, the bloodstream and the tissues where the active components have to reach. The very fact that drugs are metabolized similarly leads to the appearance of interactions or reactions when more than one medication is administered.

The liver is the organ that answers for drug metabolism, although the ability to metabolize drugs is specific to any living biological tissue. The high concentration of enzymes secreted by this organ makes the function of the organ more intense. When the pharmaceutical substance enters the hepatic circuit, the drug metabolism is at its highest. Yet, there are other body parts that are also involved in drug metabolism: the kidneys, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the lungs or the skin. The only inconvenience for this form of more extensive metabolism, is in the toxicity reactions and the possible side effects.

Drug metabolism can vary depending on some pathological and physiological factors, and these need to be taken into consideration when a specific medication is prescribed. Thus, the condition of the intestinal flora, sex and age differences, nutrition and other possible diseases influence drug metabolism in more than one way.

Heart, liver and kidney disease represent the most troublesome pathological factors that interfere with drug metabolism. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that you inform the doctor on any health condition that you may suffer from. Moreover, before any drug administration, don’t forget to mention whether you are on any medication, because interactions with very serious consequences may appear.

Finally, although it may seem unimportant or irrelevant for a patient, some knowledge on drug metabolism could help you understand how medication works on the body system. Moreover, it could help one minimize or prevent some nasty adverse reactions.

Filed Under: Metabolism