Pharmacology · single question
Drug metabolization (biotransformation) by the liver will make the drug:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. More water-soluble
- A. INCORRECT — Drugs are typically already fat-soluble when absorbed; metabolism CONVERTS them to water-soluble metabolites for renal excretion.
- B. INCORRECT — Most drug metabolism results in INACTIVE metabolites (detoxification). Some prodrugs are activated by metabolism, but this is the exception, not the rule.
- C. INCORRECT — Lipophilicity (fat-solubility) is DECREASED by hepatic metabolism; increased water solubility is the goal.
- D. CORRECT — Hepatic drug metabolism (Phase I and Phase II reactions) converts lipophilic drugs into more water-soluble (hydrophilic) metabolites that can be excreted by the kidneys. This is the primary purpose of biotransformation.