Introduction to Drug Metabolism

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of drug metabolism and its vital role in the biotransformation and elimination of drugs from the human body. Learners will explore the mechanisms of Phase I and Phase II metabolic reactions, understand the role of the liver in drug metabolism, and examine the significance of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in drug biotransformation. The course also discusses active metabolites, prodrugs, and factors influencing drug metabolism, providing a strong foundation for understanding the pharmacokinetic behavior of medications.

No Certificate / Course on Audit Track

About Course

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to drug metabolism and its essential role in determining the safety, efficacy, and elimination of medications. Learners will explore the two major phases of drug metabolism, understanding how Phase I and Phase II reactions transform drugs within the body. The course also examines the Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system, including its key subtypes, enzyme inducers, and inhibitors that influence drug interactions and therapeutic outcomes. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in the biochemical mechanisms underlying drug metabolism and their importance in pharmacology and clinical practice.

Authorship and Attribution

This course has been curated by Riphah International University faculty and staff using publicly available third-party content and Open Educational Resources (OER) for self-paced learning. Learners will engage with curated open-access materials to achieve the course learning outcomes. All third-party content is used under open-access or fair-use policies, while any original materials are developed specifically for this learning experience.

Source and Credits:

Instructor: Drug Discovery Unit Dundee
Provider: YouTube (@DDUDundee)
License: Standard YouTube license

What You'll Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Explain the fundamental concepts of drug metabolism and its importance in drug discovery and development
Describe Phase I and Phase II metabolic reactions and identify key enzyme systems involved
Analyze the relationship between drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD)
Classify common medications as P450 inducers or inhibitors using mnemonic strategies.
Match CYP450 subtypes (1A2–3A4) to their specific drug substrates using memory aids.

Prerequisites

To be successful in this course, basic understanding of organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology fundamentals is required.

Who Can Take This Course?

This course is intended for pharmacy students, pharmaceutical science undergraduates, medicinal chemistry researchers, and professionals in drug discovery and development roles who seek to understand the biochemical principles governing drug metabolism. It assumes basic knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry and is particularly suited for learners preparing for advanced studies in pharmacokinetics and drug design

Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Drug Metabolism: Pathways, P450, and Stability

Introduction to Drug Metabolism

What is Drug Metabolism? Phase I vs. Phase II Mechanisms (Video)

P450 Enzyme System (Inducers, Inhibitors, & Subtypes)

Microsomal Enzymes (Cytochrome P450 Enzyme System) (Video)

Practice Quiz

MCQs (Problem)

Skills You Will Gain

Drug Metabolism Basics Phase I Reactions Phase II Reactions Cytochrome P450 Knowledge Enzyme Induction Concepts Enzyme Inhibition Principles Drug Interaction Analysis Metabolic Pathway Understanding

Course Information

Duration

Less Than 1 Hour

Course Information

Category: Curated Courses
Language: English
Type: Self-paced
Start Date: Jul 10, 2026

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Learning Mode

Fully Online (Asynchronous)

Learning Type

Self Paced

Language

English Only

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