How are most anthelmintics metabolized in the body?

Most anthelmintics are primarily metabolized in the liver, an organ responsible for many detoxification processes and the metabolism of various substances, including drugs. Hepatic metabolism involves the conversion of anthelmintics into forms that can be easily eliminated from the body, often through further modification to aid in excretion.

This pathway is crucial because many anthelmintic agents need to be biotransformed into active or inactive metabolites, allowing the body to regulate their activity and toxicity effectively. The liver's extensive enzymatic systems, particularly the cytochrome P450 family, play a significant role in facilitating these metabolic processes.

In contrast, renal clearance primarily involves the removal of substances from the bloodstream directly by the kidneys, which is more relevant for drugs that are already water-soluble and do not require extensive metabolism. Intestinal absorption refers to how these agents enter the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract, but not how they are subsequently metabolized. Dermal absorption is related to the direct entry of substances through the skin, which is not typically how anthelmintics are administered or processed in the body. Thus, hepatic metabolism is the primary route through which anthelmintics are processed following their administration.