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Pharmacokinetic Degradation

Meaning

Pharmacokinetic Degradation refers to the process by which a therapeutic compound is chemically broken down or inactivated within the body’s systems, resulting in a reduction of the active drug concentration available to exert its effect. This degradation is a critical component of the ‘Metabolism’ and ‘Excretion’ phases of pharmacokinetics. The process can occur through enzymatic cleavage, chemical hydrolysis, or metabolic transformation into inactive or less potent metabolites. Minimizing this degradation is a primary objective in drug formulation science to ensure a predictable and sustained therapeutic window.