Prodrug is inactive compound that yield an active compound on metabolism in the body.
The design of prodrug system for specific purposes:-
1- Low absorption Dipivaloyl epinephrine, improve absorption through Cornea.
2. Lack of site specificity (DRUG TARGETING) Diethyl stilbosterol diphosphate is more selective in treatment of prostatic cancer.
3. Chemical instability To avoid first-pass metabolism e.g. acetyl salicylate esters.
4. Toxicity : The drug is administered in a nontoxic, inactive form & then slowly converted to the active form to prevent gastric irritation e.g. diglyceride ester of naproxen.
5. Poor patient acceptance (bad taste, odor, pain at the site of application, etc.) e.g. Chloramphenicol palmitate