How do Reactive Intermediates Contribute to Drug Toxicity?
Some drugs are bioactivated to toxic intermediates that contribute to adverse drug reactions. For instance, acetaminophen is metabolized to a hepatotoxic intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which can cause liver damage if not adequately detoxified by glutathione. Understanding these pathways is crucial for predicting and mitigating drug-induced toxicity.
