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Drug Metabolism: Understanding the Fate of Medications in the Body

Jacklin Mark

Drug metabolism is a vital process that influences the fate of medications within the human body. It involves the enzymatic transformation of drugs into metabolites, which are more easily eliminated from the body. This process primarily occurs in the liver but also involves other organs. Drug metabolism serves various purposes, including drug inactivation, activation of prodrugs, generation of pharmacologically active metabolites, and accounting for individual variability. The mechanisms of drug metabolism encompass phase I and phase II reactions, involving enzymatic modifications and conjugation processes. Factors such as genetic variations, drug-drug interactions, age, and underlying medical conditions can affect drug metabolism. Understanding drug metabolism has significant clinical implications, including drug development, personalized medicine, and ensuring drug safety. Ongoing research in this field continues to enhance our understanding of drug metabolism, leading to improved healthcare outcomes.