Define about the food effects on drug metabolism, Biology

Assignment Help:

Define about the Food Effects on Drug Metabolism?

The general tendency of the process of metabolism is to transform a drug from a lipid- soluble to a more water-soluble compound so that it can be handled more easily by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. Food can both inhibit and enhance the metabolism of drugs by altering the activity of the enzyme systems operating in the body. To illustrate, scientists discovered that grapefruit contains natural substances that can affect the way certain prescription medications are broken down (metabolized) by an enzyme, known as CYP3A4 (cytoehrome P-450 3A4). This means that if a person drinks grapefruit juice and takes drugs (such as felodipine, zocor) orally, more of the drug may enter the bloodstream than would have under normal circumstances resulting in a greater pharmacologic effect and possible toxicity. Factors, which affect the deactivation or conjugation of a drug, can thus alter its pharmacological or toxic effects. Periods of short-term starvation or prolonged periods of nutritional inadequacy can influence the effectiveness or safety of drugs.

The amount of a drug required to produce a certain pharmacological effect is determined by the body weight. Sudden reduction in weight or dehydration may therefore result in over dosage. Under-nutrition also reduces the activity of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes and this can diminish a drug's effectiveness (by reducing its rate of excretion). These are additional reasons for ensuring nutritional adequacy during illness, particularly since this is when pharmacological drug use is most likely to be needed. Alcohol, which is also a drug in its own right often affects microsomal enzyme activity and can potentiate the action of some hypoglycemic drugs or central nervous system (CNS) depressants. The action of certain drugs such as propanolol may be reduced by alcohol. Certain nutrients can also have a direct influence on drug metabolism. Vitamin K reduces the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and the dosage has to be sufficient to counteract the effects of habitual vitamin K intake. Any significant alteration may necessitate adjustment in warfarin dosage. Sodium intake inversely affects serum levels of the mood stabilizer lithium carbonate and since this drug has a narrow range of therapeutic effectiveness, dietary sodium intake must be kept to a constant level in patients receiving this treatment.


Related Discussions:- Define about the food effects on drug metabolism

What are the functions of fibers, Of which substance do elastic fibers of t...

Of which substance do elastic fibers of the connective tissue are made? What are some functions of these fibers? The elastic fibers are made of a protein called elastin. Ela

Strategies for genetic characterization and conservation, Strategies for ge...

Strategies for genetic characterization and conservation - During last 20 years concerted efforts have been made to create awareness among all the developmental organizations in th

All cells have ribosomes and protei, Select all that are true: Plants do no...

Select all that are true: Plants do not have mitochondria, they have chloroplasts to convert the sun's energy into chemical energy via photosynthesis and do not need to make ATP us

Define the basic concepts behind the spectral techniques, Define the Basic ...

Define the Basic Concepts behind the Spectral Techniques? Energy is transmitted via electromagnetic waves that are characterized by their frequency and wavelength. The physical

Effects of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, Effects of Cardiogenic Pulmonary Ed...

Effects of Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema Interference with oxygen transfer in the lungs Depression arterial oxygen tension Sense of suffocation and oppression in the

Blood pressure, BLOO D PRESSURE Is the result of the sum of  ...

BLOO D PRESSURE Is the result of the sum of                 (i) Osmotic colloidal pressure of blood                 (ii) Elastic recoil of blood vessel's wall.

Determine the failures at during abutment connection, During Abutment Conne...

During Abutment Connection Implants should be tested for the presence of any mobility and the radiographs should be taken. These radiographs are very vital as they serve as the

Obturator - ovule, Obturator - Ovule An obturator is an outgrowth of t...

Obturator - Ovule An obturator is an outgrowth of the placenta or funicle or integument or style near the micropyle. It is presumed to guide the pollen tube to the micropyle.

Explain oligosaccharides, Oligosaccharides Compounds containing 2 to 6 ...

Oligosaccharides Compounds containing 2 to 6 monosaccharides units joined by a glycosidic  linkage.

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd