What type of kinetics applies for alcohol in the body? Also, explain the clinical significance of this?
Ethanol has a zero-order kinetic uptake, which ensures that it is absorbed from the bloodstream at a steady rate. This means that the amount you ingest will last longer in the body if you drink it rapidly. Since the alcohol does not have enough time to leave the body, the blood alcohol levels can increase quickly, causing an impact.
Give a brief summary of the metabolic pathways of ethanol metabolism
Alcohol dehydrogenase and coenzyme NAD, as well as MEOS and coenzyme NADPH, convert ethanol to acetaldehyde. Aldehyde dehydrogenesis will then convert acetaldehyde to acetate.
Which drugs can affect this metabolism and what are the effects thereof?
The drug fomepizole inhibits alcohol dehydrogenase, preventing the development of acetaldehyde. Aldehyde dehydrogenase can be blocked by medicines like disulfiram, metronidazole, cephalosporins, and hypoglycemic drugs, preventing the formation of acetate. Acetaldehyde build up may cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fire.