How Do Enantiomers Affect Drug Efficacy and Safety?
Enantiomers can differ in their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicological profiles. The pharmacokinetics of an enantiomer includes how it is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. One enantiomer may be metabolized faster than its counterpart, leading to differences in concentration and duration of action. The pharmacodynamics involves the interaction of the enantiomer with its target receptor, which can result in varying degrees of efficacy or adverse effects.