Off-target activity is
biological activity
In pharmacology, biological activity or pharmacological activity describes the beneficial or adverse effects of a drug on living matter. When a drug is a complex chemical mixture, this activity is exerted by the substance's active ingredient or ...
of a
drug
A drug is any chemical substance that causes a change in an organism's physiology or psychology when consumed. Drugs are typically distinguished from food and substances that provide nutritional support. Consumption of drugs can be via insuffla ...
that is different from and not at that of its intended
biological target. It most commonly contributes to
side effects. However, in some cases, off-target activity can be taken advantage of for therapeutic purposes. An example of this is the repurposing of the
antimineralocorticoid and
diuretic spironolactone, which was found to produce
feminization
Feminization most commonly refers to:
* Feminization (biology), the hormonally induced development of female sexual characteristics
* Feminization (activity), a sexual or lifestyle practice where a person assumes a female role
* Feminization (soci ...
and
gynecomastia as side effects, for use as an
antiandrogen in the treatment of
androgen-dependent conditions like
acne and
hirsutism in women.
See also
*
Antitarget
References
{{Pharmacology
Bioactivity
Pharmacodynamics