Categories: All - cells - receptors - liver - protein

by Megan Sturgeon 4 years ago

309

How drugs get into, are distributed, and do their job in the body

The journey of drugs within the human body is complex, involving multiple stages and potential barriers. Upon administration, drugs must navigate through the digestive system, beginning in the stomach where acids can either dissolve or destroy them.

How drugs get into, are distributed, and do their job in the body

How drugs get into, are distributed, and do their job in the body

small intestine

The drug molecules have to be small enough to be absorbed through the intestine lining
If the drug is not fully absorbed in the stomach, it moves to the small intestine to finish dissolving

liver

When the drug has entered the bloodstream it travels to the liver where it could possibly be destroyed by the enzymes produced. This is when another method of getting drugs to the targeted area

stomach and stomach acid

The drug also has to to a small enough molecule to be absorbed by the stomach lining
The stomach however may destroy the drug as a result. This is when the drug is chosen to be administered through inhalation or injection
The drug is dissolved in the stomach by the stomach acid. The stomach lining absorbs the drug into the bloodstream

circulatory

the drug travels to the liver and to the targeted area through the circulatory system.

receptors

The drugs know where to go when the receptors that target the organ latch onto the drug molecules
Side effects can happen when the drug molecules bind to receptors that are not the intended target

protein

Protein can hijack the drug molecule which prevents the drug from going where it is intended to go

cells

The cells soak up the drug and the drug does what it is intended to do ex. relieve pain

fat

Fat in the bloodstream may be a barrier to the drug getting to the targeted area as it may hijack the drug molecules

enzymes

The enzymes may not be helpful in the liver as the enzymes produced in the liver may be destroyed by them
The enzymes are helpful to targeting to area that the drug is intended for