1. METABOLISM
Pharmacology Group Video
Judy Christensen, Jessica Le, Crystal Jacks,
and Johna Romero

2. What is the process of drug
metabolism via oral route?
To demonstrate the process of drug
metabolism in the body, we will give an
example of a male patient in his 30’s who is
about to take a pill of Tylenol for his headache.

3. Metabolism begins with when medication
is in the mouth.
Since the mouth and esophagus are
attached to the stomach, this is where the
medication will travel to next.

4. From the esophagus to the stomach.

5. After the absorption of the GI will go to the
liver, the primary site of metabolism.
The liver
maintains
several enzyme
catalyst in order
to perform their
primary job of
drug
metabolism.

6. Then the metabolized drug will distribute
via the bloodstream to the site of optimal
action.
Back to the patient who
is taking Tylenol for
pain. The Tylenol is
being metabolized by
the liver and distributed
to his head via the
bloodstream. Headache
will minimize and
reduce at the site of
optimal action.

7. The drug is now ready to leave the body
by excretion.
• The final stage of
drug metabolism
involves the kidneys
• The drug now has
performed it’s job and
is ready to leave the
body
• This occurs in the
kidneys (urine) and
large intestine
(stools)

8. Reference
Lehne, R. (2010). Pharmacology for nursing care. (8th ed.).
St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.