gyógyszermetabolizmus

Gyógyszermetabolizmus refers to the chemical alteration of drugs within the body. This process is primarily carried out by enzymes, most notably in the liver, but also in other tissues like the intestines, kidneys, and lungs. The main purpose of drug metabolism is to convert lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs into more hydrophilic (water-soluble) compounds, which can then be more easily excreted from the body, typically through urine or bile.

Drug metabolism is often divided into two phases. Phase I reactions, also known as functionalization reactions, introduce or expose polar functional groups on the drug molecule. Common Phase I reactions include oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis, often catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. These reactions can sometimes lead to the formation of active metabolites, which may have their own pharmacological effects, or toxic metabolites.

Phase II reactions, or conjugation reactions, involve the attachment of endogenous molecules, such as glucuronic acid, sulfate, glutathione, or amino acids, to the drug or its Phase I metabolite. These conjugation reactions further increase the water solubility of the compound, facilitating its elimination.

The rate and pathways of drug metabolism can vary significantly between individuals due to genetic factors, age, disease states, and interactions with other drugs or food components. Understanding gyógyszermetabolizmus is crucial for determining appropriate drug dosages, predicting drug efficacy, and avoiding adverse drug reactions. It plays a vital role in pharmacokinetics, the study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs.