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Drug metabolism

A fascinating link between chemistry and biology

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Abstract

Drug metabolism involves the enzymatic conversion of therapeutically important chemical species to a new molecule inside the human body. The process may result in pharmacologically active, inactive, or toxic metabolite. Drug metabolic process involves two phases, the occurrence of which may vary from compound to compound. In this article, we discuss the basics of drug metabolism, the process, metabolising organs and enzymes (especially CYP450) involved, chemistry behind metabolic reactions, importance, and consequences with several interesting and significant examples to epitomize the same. We also cover the factors influencing the process of drug metabolism, structure-toxicity relationship, enzyme induction and inhibition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicinal Chemistry, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector-67 S A S, Nagar, 160 062, Punjab, India

    Prasad V. Bharatam

  2. Medicinal Chemistry, NIPER, Mohali, India

    Nikhil Taxak

Authors
  1. Nikhil Taxak
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  2. Prasad V. Bharatam
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Prasad V. Bharatam.

Additional information

Nikhil is a DST Inspire Fellow and is pursuing PhD in NIPER, Mohali. His research pertains to drug metabolism and toxicity. His hobbies include playing table tennis and reading novels.

Prasad V Bharatam is a Professor in Medicinal Chemistry in NIPER, Mohali. He is interested in areas of theoretical chemistry, drug metabolism, diabetes, malaria and synthetic chemistry.

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Taxak, N., Bharatam, P.V. Drug metabolism. Reson 19, 259–282 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-014-0031-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-014-0031-0

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