ADME principles are important ideas in medicine that help researchers create safer drugs. ADME stands for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. By learning about these principles, scientists can reduce the chances of bad side effects, make drugs more effective, and help patients feel better.
Absorption: This is about how much of a drug actually gets into the body and works. For example, if someone takes nitroglycerin by mouth, only about 20% actually enters the bloodstream. That’s why some drugs need to be given in different ways. Figuring this out early helps scientists make drugs that work better when taken.
Distribution: This explains how drugs move around in the body. Some drugs can stick to proteins in our blood, like albumin. This can change how much of the drug is available to work in the body. About 70% of a drug may attach to these proteins, which affects its action.
Metabolism: The liver is really important for breaking down drugs. About 60% of drugs on the market go through a process called first-pass metabolism. This can change how effective the drug is and can also make it safer or more dangerous. Understanding how drugs are broken down helps predict any bad interactions with other medicines.
Excretion: This is how drugs leave the body. The kidneys play a big role in this, as they help get rid of 30-50% of drugs. If kidney function isn’t considered, a drug may build up in the body and cause harm, especially for older people.
Using ADME principles right from the start of making a drug can lead to better results and safer medications for everyone.
ADME principles are important ideas in medicine that help researchers create safer drugs. ADME stands for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. By learning about these principles, scientists can reduce the chances of bad side effects, make drugs more effective, and help patients feel better.
Absorption: This is about how much of a drug actually gets into the body and works. For example, if someone takes nitroglycerin by mouth, only about 20% actually enters the bloodstream. That’s why some drugs need to be given in different ways. Figuring this out early helps scientists make drugs that work better when taken.
Distribution: This explains how drugs move around in the body. Some drugs can stick to proteins in our blood, like albumin. This can change how much of the drug is available to work in the body. About 70% of a drug may attach to these proteins, which affects its action.
Metabolism: The liver is really important for breaking down drugs. About 60% of drugs on the market go through a process called first-pass metabolism. This can change how effective the drug is and can also make it safer or more dangerous. Understanding how drugs are broken down helps predict any bad interactions with other medicines.
Excretion: This is how drugs leave the body. The kidneys play a big role in this, as they help get rid of 30-50% of drugs. If kidney function isn’t considered, a drug may build up in the body and cause harm, especially for older people.
Using ADME principles right from the start of making a drug can lead to better results and safer medications for everyone.