GUT MICROBIOTA–DRUG INTERACTIONS: IMPACT ON DRUG METABOLISM, ABSORPTION, AND THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES

Ajay Kumar S. N., Gagana Shree D. S., Madhurya N. G., Reshma Banu S.*, Dr. E. Gopinath

The gut microbiota plays a vital role in influencing drug absorption, metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity through direct microbial biotransformation and indirect modulation of host physiological processes. Variations in microbial composition contribute to differences in individual drug responses, affecting therapeutic outcomes and adverse effects. At the same time, several medications can alter gut microbial diversity, creating a dynamic bidirectional interaction between drugs and the microbiome. Recent advances highlight the potential of microbiome-based approaches to improve personalized medicine, optimize drug therapy, and predict treatment response. This review summarizes the key mechanisms underlying gut microbiota–drug interactions, discusses clinically relevant examples, and explores future perspectives for integrating microbiome profiling into pharmacological research and precision therapeutics.