In the context of pharmacokinetics, what does metabolism refer to?

Metabolism, in the context of pharmacokinetics, refers specifically to how the body breaks down and converts drugs into different substances. This process is crucial because it determines the duration and intensity of a drug's action in the body. Metabolism often involves various biochemical reactions that transform the drug into metabolites, which may be active or inactive. This conversion typically occurs primarily in the liver but can also take place in other tissues. The metabolites created during this process can then be more easily eliminated from the body or can have different effects compared to the original drug.

Understanding metabolism is essential for predicting how long a drug will remain active in the system and how it will be processed, which can significantly impact dosing regimens and therapeutic outcomes.