lääkeainemetabolian

Lääkeainemetabolia refers to the process by which living organisms change a drug into a different molecule, known as a metabolite. This transformation is primarily carried out by enzymes and occurs predominantly in the liver, although it can also happen 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, making them easier to excrete from the body, usually via urine or bile.

Drug metabolism is generally divided into two phases. Phase I reactions, often called functionalization reactions, introduce or expose functional groups on the drug molecule. These reactions are typically carried out by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme family. Common Phase I reactions include oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis. 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 the water solubility of the compound, facilitating its elimination.

The rate and extent of drug metabolism can vary significantly among individuals due to genetic factors, age, diet, disease states, and interactions with other drugs. These variations can lead to differences in drug efficacy and the risk of adverse drug reactions. Understanding lääkeainemetabolia is crucial in pharmacology for optimizing drug therapy, predicting drug interactions, and developing new drugs with improved pharmacokinetic profiles.