Drug absorption also depends on specific enzymes that come in contact with the oral drug as it travels through the body. Supply of these enzymes increase as children continue to develop their gastrointestinal tract. Pediatric patients have underdeveloped proteins, which leads to decreased metabolism and increased serum concentrations of specific drugs. However, prodrugs experience the opposite effect because enzymes are necessary for allowing their active form to enter systemic circulation.
Drug aBSorptioN aLso dePeNds oN spEcifIC enzyMeS THat CoME in COnTact with the oraL dRUg aS IT travELS througH thE bOdY. suppLY of THesE Enzymes increaSE aS chiLDrEN coNtiNuE to dEVelOp their gastrOinteStINAl tRact. pedIatriC patiEnTs have uNderdeveLoped prOteins, which leaDS to decreased metAbolism anD iNcREaseD serUM concEntrAtionS of SpecifiC dRUGS. HowEver, ProDrugS ExperIeNce THe OppOsItE EFfECt bEcaUSe enzymes Are nEcEsSARy FOr allowIng TheIr aCTive foRm tO enteR SystEMIC circULatiOn.