Drugs that escape hepatic metabolism

Abstract

■ In certain patients, hepatic metabolism of drugs is slower or more rapid than usual; consequences include an increased risk of adverse effects or diminished treatment efficacy. ■ There are at least 5 important situations in which the hepatic metabolism of drugs is altered. These situations are briefly explained. If clinicians encounter such situations, they will need to make appropriate dose adjustments, or they can prescribe drugs that are not metabolized in the liver. ■ Important neuropsychopharmacologic agents that are not metabolized in the liver are presented and briefly discussed. © Copyright 2012 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.