ABSTRACT
How are drugs excreted from the body?
Most drugs are excreted from the body by a combination of metabolism by the liver and excretion via the kidneys.
Most parent drug molecules and their phase I metabolites are extensively reabsorbed at the level of the kidney tubules, whereas their more watersoluble phase II conjugates are only minimally reabsorbed and readily excreted.
Some parent drugs are almost exclusively excreted by the kidneys without prior detoxification, such that any alteration in kidney function can result in toxicity. Examples include:
Oxybarbiturates
Gentamicin
Furosemide
Ampicillin
Sotalol
Methotrexate.
