Biochemical pharmacology

Biochemical Pharmacology is a branch of pharmacology that applies the principles of biochemistry to the study of the interactions of drugs with living organisms. This field combines the knowledge of biochemistry, biology, and medicine to understand the precise mechanisms by which drugs influence the human body.

Overview

Biochemical pharmacology involves the identification and characterization of drug targets, the study of drug metabolism, and the understanding of drug toxicity at the molecular level. It also includes the study of how drugs interact with their targets, and how these interactions lead to therapeutic or adverse effects.

Drug Targets

Drug targets are typically proteins, such as enzymes, receptors, and ion channels, that are involved in biological processes. Drugs can interact with these targets in various ways, such as by inhibiting their activity, enhancing their activity, or modulating their function. The identification and characterization of drug targets is a critical step in the drug discovery process.

Drug Metabolism

Drug metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and eliminates drugs. This process can affect the potency and duration of a drug's action, as well as its toxicity. Biochemical pharmacology studies the enzymes involved in drug metabolism, as well as the factors that can influence this process, such as genetic variations, diet, and other drugs.

Drug Toxicity

Drug toxicity refers to the harmful effects that a drug can have on the body. These effects can be caused by the drug itself, its metabolites, or its interactions with other substances. Biochemical pharmacology seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms of drug toxicity, with the aim of developing safer and more effective drugs.

See Also

• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacogenomics
• Toxicology