MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Metabolite

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Metabolite

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Illustrations	Definition

Illustrations

Metabolite

Definition Return to top

A metabolite is any substance produced during metabolism (digestion or other bodily chemical processes).

In terms of medications, a metabolite usually refers to the product that remains after the drug is broken down (metabolized) by the body.

Update Date: 2/23/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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