What type of kinetics applies for alcohol in the body? Also, explain the clinical significance of this.

Fast absorpsion and distrubusion, fastent person reaches peak after 30 min. Metabolism of ethanol is 90% by liver and rest through lungs and urine. Ethanol is eliminated through a zero-order kinetics (eliminates at a constant rate) so if a person ingests too much Ethanol it will lead to alcohol poisoning.

Give a brief summary of the metabolic pathways of ethanol metabolism.

Ethanol is metabolized through two enzyme systems, Alcohol dehydrogenase for smaller amounts and Mixed function oxidase for larger concentrations. The end product after metabolism is acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is transformed to acetate with the help of Aldehyddehirdrogenase and is then converted to CO2 and H2O.

Which drugs can affect this metabolism and what are the effects thereof?

Disulfiram, Metronidazole, Hypoglycemics GM’s and Cephalosporins. These drugs blocks Aldehyddehidrogenase and causes an Acetaldehyde build up.