What does “First-pass metabolism” mean?
The breakdown of a swallowed drug by the liver before it reaches the general circulation.
First-pass metabolism in plain English
The breakdown of a swallowed drug by the liver before it reaches the general circulation.
It is the main reason oral cannabinoid preparations have low and variable bioavailability, and why onset can take one to three hours.
Preparations absorbed under the tongue or inside the cheek partly bypass this, which gives a faster and somewhat more predictable onset.
Frequently asked questions
What does first-pass metabolism mean?
The breakdown of a swallowed drug by the liver before it reaches the general circulation.
Sources and further reading
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