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Pharmacology · single question

What is the general effect of hepatic drug metabolism (Phase I/Phase II reactions) on a drug's solubility properties?

  1. It generally converts lipophilic drugs into more hydrophilic metabolites, facilitating renal excretion
  2. It generally makes drugs more lipid-soluble for easier storage in fat tissue
  3. It has no effect on a drug's solubility properties
  4. It converts all drugs into gases for pulmonary excretion
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Correct answer: A. It generally converts lipophilic drugs into more hydrophilic metabolites, facilitating renal excretion

Hepatic Phase I and Phase II metabolic reactions generally convert lipophilic (fat-soluble) drugs into more hydrophilic (water-soluble) metabolites — this increased water solubility facilitates renal excretion of the drug and its metabolites, which is the fundamental purpose/result of hepatic drug metabolism.

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