Chapter 12: Drug–Target Interactions

Both the action (pharmacodynamics) and movement (pharmacokinetics) of a drug molecule into, through, and out of the body require some specific or non-specific interactions with target biological molecules. These kinds of interactions could be a combination of electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, dipole, or lipid/hydrophobic interactions in addition to covalent bonding. Through practical examples and problem-solving exercises, how drug molecules of low molecular weight or protein nature interact with enzymes, receptors, or other targets of the host or foreign bodies (e.g. pathogens) is discussed. Emphasis is given to key pathological conditions where the basic chemistry of drug–target interactions is applied.