Drug Bioavailability and P-glycoprotein Quiz

Hydrophobic, small, nonpolar drugs easily pass through the vasculature to tissues and are readily distributed across cell membranes, resulting in high bioavailability. In contrast, hydrophilic, larger, polar drugs do not easily pass through the vasculature into tissues, leading to lower distribution and bioavailability.

A drug's volume of distribution (Vd) is dependent on its chemical properties (e.g., pH, lipophilicity, size) and patient physiology. A low Vd means the drug stays mainly in the blood and has a high blood concentration. A medium Vd means the drug is distributed evenly and has a moderate blood concentration. A high Vd means most of the drug is distributed into the tissues and has an extremely low blood concentration.

Non-polar, lipophilic drugs are easily reabsorbed and therefore difficult to excrete. To facilitate their elimination, these drugs must be converted into more polar and hydrophilic substances through metabolism, usually in the liver. This metabolic process renders the drugs inactive or inert, allowing for their excretion from the body.

<p>The two main types of metabolic reactions that occur in the liver are phase I (nonsynthetic) reactions and phase II reactions. Phase I reactions usually (but not always) precede phase II reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The degree of a drug's protein binding can impact its distribution and pharmacological activity. Drugs that are highly protein-bound tend to have a lower volume of distribution and reduced access to target tissues, which can limit their pharmacological effects. Conversely, drugs with low protein binding are more freely distributed and can more readily exert their desired pharmacological actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Capillary permeability is a key factor that can influence drug distribution. Drugs that are small, nonpolar, and lipophilic can more easily pass through the capillary walls and be distributed to target tissues. In contrast, larger, more polar, and hydrophilic drugs have a more limited ability to cross the capillary barriers, leading to reduced distribution and potentially lower therapeutic efficacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A drug's volume of distribution (Vd) is not only dependent on its chemical properties but also on the patient's physiology. Factors such as age, body composition, organ function, and disease states can all influence the Vd and, consequently, the drug's distribution and concentration in the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lipophilicity of a drug is a key factor in determining its distribution and absorption. Lipophilic, or non-polar, drugs can more easily cross cell membranes and distribute into tissues, leading to higher bioavailability. Conversely, hydrophilic, or polar, drugs have a more limited ability to penetrate cell membranes, resulting in reduced distribution and potentially lower therapeutic efficacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The liver is the primary organ responsible for the metabolism of drugs. In the liver, drugs undergo two main types of metabolic reactions: phase I (nonsynthetic) reactions and phase II reactions. These metabolic processes convert lipophilic drugs into more polar, hydrophilic substances, which can then be more readily excreted from the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Patient-specific factors, such as age, body composition, organ function, and disease states, can significantly impact a drug's volume of distribution (Vd) and, consequently, its distribution and concentration in the body. These physiological differences between patients can lead to variations in the drug's pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic response.</p> Signup and view all the answers