5-Physiological Aspects of ADME: Elimination

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the physiological aspects of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), including drug metabolism mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and the role of enzymes.

ADME

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion—key processes in pharmacokinetics.

CYP2D6

A cytochrome P450 enzyme involved in the metabolism of many drugs, influencing their effectiveness.

First Pass Effect

The process where a drug is metabolized in the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.

Biotransformation

The chemical modification made by an organism on a chemical compound, particularly drugs.

Phase I Metabolism

The metabolic phase that modifies drug structures to create or unmask polar groups.

Phase II Metabolism

The metabolic phase involving conjugation of drugs with larger molecules to increase water solubility.

Inducers

Substances that increase the metabolic activity of enzymes, potentially reducing drug effectiveness.

Inhibitors

Substances that decrease the metabolic activity of enzymes, potentially causing drug toxicity.

Prodrug

An inactive compound that is metabolized in the body to become an active drug.

Half-life (t1/2)

The time required for the concentration of a drug in the plasma to decrease by half.

Renal Excretion

The primary route of drug excretion, primarily through urine.

Zero-order elimination

A type of drug elimination where the rate of elimination is constant regardless of drug concentration.

First-order elimination

A type of drug elimination where the rate is proportional to the drug concentration.

Glomerular Filtration

The process by which the kidneys filter blood and form urine, involving free drug fractions.

Cmax

The maximum concentration of a drug in the bloodstream after administration.

AUC (Area Under the Curve)

The total drug exposure over time, reflecting the drug concentration in the bloodstream.