Drug Metabolism

Drug metabolism is the process of breaking down molecules of drugs within the body. It is a crucial physiological process as it allows the body to remove or alter drug molecules so they can be safely used and excreted. Without it, drugs may not be able to be properly absorbed, distributed, metabolized, or eliminated by the body, leading to adverse effects. In addition, drug metabolism can also confer different effects depending on the individual, due to different genetics, diet, and environment. Thus, understanding drug metabolism is important in order to optimize drug use and to minimize adverse effects.