NU 578
Unit 1 Study Guide
Key Concepts & Exam Review
University of South Alabama.
This document provides a focused
study guide
It summarizes key concepts, lecture highlights, and
exam-relevant material to support efficient last-
minute review. The guide is structured to help students reinforce
understanding, identify weak areas, and prepare confidently for
the assessment.
, NU 578 Unit 1 Study Guide
Pharmacokinetics (PK)
CYP450 characteristics, induction, inhibition pg 17 - 18
CYP450 is an enzyme present in the liver that is responsible for the majority of drug
metabolism. It is a group of 12 closely related enzyme families. CYP1,2,3 metabolize
drugs while the rest metabolize endogenous compounds.
Metabolism is defined as the enzymatic alteration of a drug structure.
Induction
Drugs that increase the rate of drug metabolism are called P450 inducers.
Inducers act of the liver to stimulate enzyme synthesis. This is called the process of
induction.
By increasing the rate of metabolism, the amount of active drug is decreased and
plasma drug levels fall. Dosing adjustments may be required to achieve a
therapeutic plasma level.
Inhibition
Inhibitors act on the liver through a process known as inhibition.
By slowing the rate of metabolism, inhibition can cause an increase in active drug
accumulation. This can lead to an increase in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and
toxicity.
P-glycoprotein (PGP) pg 14
Transporter of drugs out of cells, including the intestinal epithelium, placenta, BBB, liver,
and kidney tubules
Pediatric/Infant populations and PK effects pg 18, 20
The liver does not develop to its full capacity to metabolize drugs until around 1 year of
age. Infants are especially susceptible to injury prior to hepatic maturation.
BBB not fully developed in infants so CNS is sensitive. Neurotoxicity is a risk.
Plasma proteins are lower for the first year so distribution of drugs may be affected.
Absorption may not normalize until age 2.
Geriatric populations and PK effects pg 18, ppt
The ability of older adults to metabolize and absorb drugs is decreased. Drug dosages
may need to be reduced to prevent toxicity.
Distribution is affected by increase body fact and less lean body mass, decreased TBW,
and decreased serum albumin.
Progressive decline in renal function and resulting drug accumulation is the most
common cause of ADRs in elderly.
Effects of renal function of drug persistence in the body pg 19-20
The kidneys account for the majority of drug excretion.
Excretion is defined as the removal of drugs from the body.
Drugs move from bloodstream to kidneys for excretion via active transport.
Factors that affect renal excretion include:
pH-dependent ionization
Unit 1 Study Guide
Key Concepts & Exam Review
University of South Alabama.
This document provides a focused
study guide
It summarizes key concepts, lecture highlights, and
exam-relevant material to support efficient last-
minute review. The guide is structured to help students reinforce
understanding, identify weak areas, and prepare confidently for
the assessment.
, NU 578 Unit 1 Study Guide
Pharmacokinetics (PK)
CYP450 characteristics, induction, inhibition pg 17 - 18
CYP450 is an enzyme present in the liver that is responsible for the majority of drug
metabolism. It is a group of 12 closely related enzyme families. CYP1,2,3 metabolize
drugs while the rest metabolize endogenous compounds.
Metabolism is defined as the enzymatic alteration of a drug structure.
Induction
Drugs that increase the rate of drug metabolism are called P450 inducers.
Inducers act of the liver to stimulate enzyme synthesis. This is called the process of
induction.
By increasing the rate of metabolism, the amount of active drug is decreased and
plasma drug levels fall. Dosing adjustments may be required to achieve a
therapeutic plasma level.
Inhibition
Inhibitors act on the liver through a process known as inhibition.
By slowing the rate of metabolism, inhibition can cause an increase in active drug
accumulation. This can lead to an increase in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and
toxicity.
P-glycoprotein (PGP) pg 14
Transporter of drugs out of cells, including the intestinal epithelium, placenta, BBB, liver,
and kidney tubules
Pediatric/Infant populations and PK effects pg 18, 20
The liver does not develop to its full capacity to metabolize drugs until around 1 year of
age. Infants are especially susceptible to injury prior to hepatic maturation.
BBB not fully developed in infants so CNS is sensitive. Neurotoxicity is a risk.
Plasma proteins are lower for the first year so distribution of drugs may be affected.
Absorption may not normalize until age 2.
Geriatric populations and PK effects pg 18, ppt
The ability of older adults to metabolize and absorb drugs is decreased. Drug dosages
may need to be reduced to prevent toxicity.
Distribution is affected by increase body fact and less lean body mass, decreased TBW,
and decreased serum albumin.
Progressive decline in renal function and resulting drug accumulation is the most
common cause of ADRs in elderly.
Effects of renal function of drug persistence in the body pg 19-20
The kidneys account for the majority of drug excretion.
Excretion is defined as the removal of drugs from the body.
Drugs move from bloodstream to kidneys for excretion via active transport.
Factors that affect renal excretion include:
pH-dependent ionization
