metabolised

Metabolised is the past participle of metabolise, the process by which a substance is chemically transformed by an organism. In humans and other animals, metabolism often converts lipophilic compounds into more water-soluble forms to facilitate excretion. Metabolised can refer to drugs, toxins, nutrients, or endogenous molecules.

Most metabolism occurs in the liver, aided by enzymes such as the cytochrome P450 oxidases. Metabolism proceeds through two broad phases: Phase I functionalization introduces or unmaskes polar groups via oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis; Phase II conjugation attaches endogenous substrates (glucuronic acid, sulfate, glutathione, etc.) to products of Phase I, greatly increasing water solubility.

In pharmacology, metabolism alters drug effects, bioavailability, and duration. Some substances are prodrugs that become active metabolites, others are inactivated. The first-pass effect describes hepatic metabolism that reduces oral drug concentration before it reaches systemic circulation. Metabolic rate varies with genetics, age, liver disease, diet, and interactions with other drugs or substances.

Metabolites are typically eliminated in urine or bile, sometimes after enterohepatic recirculation. Metabolism can also bioactivate toxins or create reactive intermediates; this is a concern in toxicology and safety assessment. Examples include acetaminophen metabolism forming a toxic intermediate under overdose, and codeine being converted to morphine, which contributes to analgesic effect.