Phase I metabolic reactions

Phase I metabolic reactions are processes in the body that modify drugs or other substances to make them easier to eliminate. This is typically done through oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis, which introduce or expose functional groups on the molecules. These changes can either activate, deactivate, or prepare the substances for Phase II reactions. Essentially, Phase I reactions often add or reveal sites on the molecules that enable further modifications, making the substances more water-soluble and easier for the body to remove through urine or bile.