farmakometabolisme

Farmakometabolisme refers to the study of how drugs are metabolized within a living organism. It is a crucial aspect of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, dealing with the biochemical transformations that drugs undergo after administration. These transformations are primarily carried out by enzymes, most notably those found in the liver, but also in other tissues like the intestines, kidneys, and lungs.

The primary goal of drug metabolism is to convert lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs into more hydrophilic (water-soluble) compounds. This process facilitates their excretion from the body, usually via urine or bile. Metabolism typically occurs in two phases. Phase I reactions, often called functionalization reactions, introduce or expose polar functional groups (like hydroxyl, amino, or carboxyl groups) through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis. Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) are the major players in Phase I metabolism. Phase II reactions, also known as conjugation reactions, involve attaching an endogenous molecule, such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, or glutathione, to the drug or its Phase I metabolite. This further increases water solubility and promotes excretion.

Understanding farmakometabolisme is vital for several reasons. It helps predict a drug's duration of action, its potential for toxicity, and its interactions with other drugs. Individual variations in metabolic enzyme activity, due to genetics, age, disease state, or co-administered medications, can lead to significant differences in drug response and may necessitate dose adjustments. Therefore, farmakometabolisme plays a central role in personalized medicine and drug development.