> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/education/snomed-ct-education-editorial-guide/readme/authoring/domain-specific-modeling/substance/substance-naming-and-modeling-conventions/guidelines-for-specific-substance-types/metabolites.md).

# Metabolites

<mark style="color:$danger;">**This Editorial Guide is used for Education Purposes Only. It is used in the Authoring Courses and Certifications. It is based on the January 2026 Editorial Guide.**</mark>

## Overview

A metabolite is a substance created or utilized during metabolism, the process by which the body breaks down food, drugs, chemicals, or its own tissues (e.g., fat, muscle). Metabolites are differentiated from derivatives, that are compounds synthesized by modifying precursor compounds and are important in discovery of new drugs (e.g., molecules with improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, or enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles), materials science (e.g., polymers with altered properties), and agrochemicals (e.g., potent pesticide).

Concepts representing *Metabolites of X* will be considered for inclusion based upon project requirements.

## Modeling

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="216.33984375"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Parent concept</strong></td><td>767279008 |Metabolite (substance)|</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Semantic tag</strong></td><td>(substance)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Definition status</strong></td><td>Primitive</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Attribute</strong></td><td>None</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Naming

### FSN

Pattern: X metabolite (substance)

For example,

* Cocaine metabolite (substance)

***

### Preferred Term

Pattern: X metabolite

For example,

* Cocaine metabolite

## Exemplar

The following illustrates the **stated** and **inferred** view:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3063935683-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FSZh4aZdgpviXMYp37bCy%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7c756e0a533d6d9f557d90dab2d80b17ec792197%2Fimage%20(291).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

<figure><img src="https://github.com/SNOMED-Documents/snomed-editorial-guide/blob/main/authoring/substance/images/174691622.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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