#368: First-Pass Metabolism Explained: Key Insights for Nurses

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. ___________________ Full Transcript - Read the article and view references FREE CLASS - If all you've heard are nursing school horror stories, then you need this class! Join me in this on-demand session where I dispel all those nursing school myths and show you that YES...you can thrive in nursing school without it taking over your life! Study Sesh - Change the way you study with this private podcast that includes dynamic audio formats that help you review and test your recall of important nursing concepts on-the-go. Free yourself from your desk with Study Sesh!  Straight A Nursing App - Study on-the-go with the Straight A Nursing app! Review more than 5,000 flashcards covering a wide range of subjects including Fundamentals, Pediatrics, Med Surg, Mental Health, Maternal Newborn, and more! Available for free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Pharmacology Success Pack - Want to get a head start on pharmacology? Download the FREE Pharmacology Success Pack.  Fast Pharmacology - Learn pharmacology concepts in 5 minutes or less in this audio based program. Perfect for on-the-go review! 💕Did you love this episode? Please take a moment to follow or subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode! ___________________ 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. Straight a Nursing is a proud member of the Airwave Media Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices