Definition: The chemical alteration of an exogenous substance by or in a biological system. The alteration may inactivate the compound or it may result in the production of an active metabolite of an inactive parent compound. The alterations may be divided into METABOLIC DETOXICATION, PHASE I and METABOLIC DETOXICATION, PHASE II.
restrict to chemical changes of exogenous substances; IM general only; coordinate NIM with specific drug /pharmacokin (IM); or /metab (for microorganisms); do not confuse with BIODEGRADATION, ENVIRONMENTAL: elimination of pollutants, pesticides & other w
ExamplesMetabolic Clearance Rate; Metabolic Detoxication, Drug