Tag: Phase i metabolism

The cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system, primarily located in the liver, is responsible for the metabolism of 70% to 80% of all clinically used drugs. These enzymes perform a critical role in biotransforming drugs, turning them into forms that the body can excrete, which fundamentally dictates how long a medication will last and how effective it will be. Understanding what does cytochrome P450 do to drugs is essential for grasping the complex nature of drug safety, efficacy, and variability among patients.

Approximately 70-80% of all small-molecule drugs undergo metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes during Phase 1 metabolism, highlighting its central role in preparing compounds for excretion. Understanding the fundamental difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 metabolism is crucial for grasping how the body processes and eliminates drugs and other foreign substances.