THE ROLE OF THE LIVER IN DRUG METABOLISM: ENZYME INDUCTION AND INHIBITION

Abstract

Drug metabolism is a crucial pharmacological process that modifies pharmaceutical compounds to facilitate their excretion and optimize therapeutic efficacy. Its primary function is to convert lipophilic drugs into hydrophilic metabolites, aiding elimination via urine or bile. This transformation influences drug activity, half-life, and toxicity, with some drugs requiring metabolic activation (prodrugs) and others being inactivated for excretion.