What is the role of enzymes in drug metabolism?

Enzymes play a crucial role in drug metabolism primarily by breaking down drugs into metabolites that are easier for the body to excrete. This process is essential because it transforms lipophilic substances, which might be poorly soluble in water and harder for the body to eliminate, into more hydrophilic compounds. These metabolites can be more readily excreted through urine or bile, thus facilitating the removal of the drug from the system and minimizing the risk of toxicity.

The metabolic processes involving enzymes can affect the duration and intensity of a drug's therapeutic effects. By converting drugs into less active or inactive forms, enzymes help regulate the concentration of these substances in the bloodstream, ultimately influencing the efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy. This understanding is particularly important in midwifery, where the proper dosage and management of medications can directly impact maternal and fetal health.

In contrast, other choices relate to different aspects of drug pharmacology. For instance, absorption is influenced by various factors such as the drug's formulation and route of administration, while transport around the body is typically mediated by proteins rather than enzymes. The therapeutic range is determined by a drug's pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, which include absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, but is not