Pharmacology and Drug Metabolism

Study Notes

Factors Affecting Drug Movement and Metabolism

The movement and metabolism of different drugs in the body can vary depending on the drug's qualities, such as its molecular structure, solubility, and protein binding capacity.
For example, lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs can easily cross cell membranes and reach the brain, while hydrophilic (water-soluble) drugs may have limited access to the brain due to the blood-brain barrier.

Impact of Organ Function on Drug Movement and Half-Life

The health of the circulation, liver, and kidneys (and in some cases the digestive tract) can affect the movement of the drug and its half-life.
For instance, impaired liver function can decrease drug metabolism, leading to increased drug concentrations and prolonged half-life.
Similarly, kidney disease can reduce drug excretion, resulting in increased drug levels and prolonged half-life.

Informing Dosage Intervals and Maximizing Efficacy and Safety

Understanding the movement of a drug through the body informs dosage intervals to maximize drug treatment efficacy and patient safety.
For example, a drug with a short half-life may require more frequent dosing to maintain therapeutic levels.
Conversely, a drug with a long half-life may require less frequent dosing to avoid toxicity.

Predicting Half-Life Outcomes

Half-life outcomes can be predicted based on the drug's pharmacokinetic properties and the patient's health status.
For instance, a patient with liver disease may experience a prolonged half-life due to decreased metabolism.
Conversely, a patient with normal liver function may experience a shorter half-life due to efficient metabolism.

Description

This quiz covers the effects of drug qualities on its movement and metabolism in the body, and how circulation, liver, kidneys, and digestive tract health influence the process. Understand how this impacts drug dosage and treatment efficacy.