What is the process known as drug metabolism referred to as?

The process known as drug metabolism is referred to as biotransformation. This term specifically describes the chemical modification made by an organism on a chemical compound. In the context of pharmacology, biotransformation involves the conversion of a drug into more polar, less active, or more readily excretable forms. This process is primarily carried out by enzymes in the liver and can affect the drug's efficacy, toxicity, and overall pharmacokinetics.

In biotransformation, there are two phases: Phase I reactions introduce or expose functional groups, while Phase II reactions involve conjugation with another substance to enhance solubility and promote elimination. Understanding biotransformation is crucial for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as it influences drug effectiveness and safety in animals.

The other terms refer to different processes: metabolism is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of chemical changes in the body, excretion is the removal of substances from the body, and synthesis refers to the creation of complex compounds from simpler ones. None of these terms specifically denote the process of drug metabolism as accurately as biotransformation does.