Metabolism of Drugs

Question 1

What is the role of glutathione in paracetamol overdose?

Answer 1

Mops up toxic metabolite NAPQI

Question 2

What is the antidote for paracetamol overdose?

Answer 2

N-acetylcysteine

Question 3

How does age affect drug metabolism?

Answer 3

Extremes of age= reduced level of drug metabolism

Question 4

Name two conditions which decrease drug metabolism

Answer 4

Viral acute hepatitis and chronic liver disease both decrease drug metabolism (need to see BNF guidelines to prescribe drugs safely)