Which phenomenon refers to the metabolic breakdown of a drug before it reaches systemic circulation?
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Correct answer: First-pass metabolism
First-pass metabolism occurs when a drug is metabolized in the liver or intestinal wall before reaching systemic circulation. This reduces the drug’s bioavailability.
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More Bioavailability questions
- Which dosage form generally has higher bioavailability than tablets?
- Which type of drug interaction may decrease the bioavailability of orally administered drugs?
- Which pharmacokinetic process occurs immediately after a drug enters systemic circulation?
- Which route of administration bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver?
- Which factor related to the patient can alter drug bioavailability?
- Which drug characteristic generally improves bioavailability?