1. Drug metabolism refers to the body's process of breaking down and transforming drugs into different substances.

It is the enzymatic alteration of drugs, allowing for their elimination from the body.

Drug metabolism involves biochemical reactions that convert drugs into metabolites, which may be inactive or active.

It plays a crucial role in determining the drug's duration of action and its effectiveness.

Drug metabolism primarily occurs in the liver but can also take place in other organs and tissues.

The metabolism of drugs can involve oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, or conjugation reactions.

Genetic factors can influence an individual's drug metabolism, leading to variations in drug response and potential side effects.

Drug metabolism can result in the formation of toxic metabolites or inactivation of active drugs.

The rate of drug metabolism can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, diet, and concurrent medication use.

Understanding drug metabolism is important for optimizing drug dosage regimens and predicting drug-drug interactions.