Mechanism of action
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Astavats
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+See also; Pharmacokinetics, -dynamics
In [[pharmacology]], the term '''mechanism of action''' (MOA) refers to the specific biochemical interaction through which a [[Medication|drug]] substance produces its pharmacological effect. A mechanism of action usually includes mention of the specific molecular targets to which the drug binds, such as an [[enzyme]] or [[receptor (biochemistry)|receptor]].
For example, the mechanism of action of [[aspirin]] involved irreversible inhibition of the enzyme [[cyclooxygenase]], which suppresses the production of [[prostaglandin]]s and [[thromboxane]]s thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
==See also==
*[[Pharmacodynamics]]
*[[Pharmacokinetics]]
{{Medicinal chemistry}}
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
[[Category:Medicinal chemistry]]
{{pharma-stub}}
[[pt:Mecanismo de ação]]