[Pharmaceutical aspects of drug side effects]

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Pharmacology

Context:

• Drug delivery systems comprise active ingredients and auxiliary substances (excipients).
• The properties of these systems are frequently underestimated in terms of their effects.
• Excipients and system characteristics play a crucial role in pharmacodynamic and clinical evaluations.

Purpose:

• To highlight the significant impact of pharmaceutical system properties on drug efficacy and safety.
• To emphasize the importance of considering auxiliary substances in drug development.
• To illustrate how formulation characteristics influence therapeutic outcomes.

Summary:

• The composition, purity, and physicochemical properties of drug delivery systems affect both desired and undesired effects.
• Examples include issues like inadequate drug degradation/release, rapid drug alteration, poor distribution, and excipient-related problems.
• Food interactions with drug plasma levels are also influenced by pharmaceutical system properties.

Impact:

• Underscores the need for thorough evaluation of drug delivery systems beyond the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
• Informs formulation scientists and clinicians about potential pitfalls in drug product performance.
• Emphasizes the critical role of excipient selection and system characterization for predictable drug therapy.