In this episode, I'm breaking down the concept of first-pass metabolism, also known as the first-pass effect, and why it’s important for nurses to understand. You’ll learn how medications are metabolized, why bioavailability matters, and how the first-pass effect impacts drug dosing and effectiveness. We also discuss common medications affected by this process and how it influences the choice of administration routes.

Listen to this episode and you’ll learn:

• What first-pass metabolism is - Get a brief overview of how PO medications are metabolized in the liver before reaching systemic circulation


• The basics of bioavailability - Learn how bioavailability measures how much of a drug reaches systemic circulation and why IV medications have higher bioavailability than oral medications.


• Some common medications affected by first-pass metabolism - Bring this concept to life with medication examples including nitroglycerine and diazepam.


• Nursing implications - Discover how understanding first-pass metabolism helps nurses administer medications effectively and why it impacts the timing of a drug's onset of action.

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Full Transcript - Read the article and view references

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The information, including but not limited to, audio, video, text, and graphics contained on this podcast are for educational purposes only. No content on this podcast is intended to guide nursing practice and does not supersede any individual healthcare provider's scope of practice or any nursing school curriculum. Additionally, no content on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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