How are drugs developed to target specific areas (pain/allergies/disease). How do you translate scientific body knowledge into a drug that targets that area. And how do scientists determine cross reactions to other drugs or conditions. Do they have to test every combo?

Question

How are drugs developed to target specific areas (pain/allergies/disease). How do you translate scientific body knowledge into a drug that targets that area. And how do scientists determine cross reactions to other drugs or conditions. Do they have to test every combo?

In: 322

Answer 1

One of the key parts of interactions is understanding how the drug is absorbed, broken down or excreted by the body. Knowing what liver enzyme, how it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, or whether it’s actively excreted by the kidneys or in the bowel, will give a string hint as to which other foods or drugs are known to inhibit, compete with, or enable those reactions. For instance, grapefruit juice inhibits a liver enzyme that breaks down many blood pressure drugs, which can lead to an overdose; many foods inhibit some drugs getting into the bloodstream so you’re assured to take it long before or after eating.