In vitro metabolism of aminopyrene, ethylmorphine (Type I substrates), N-methylaniline and acetanilide (Type II substrates) in liver microsomal fraction from thiamine deficient male and female rats was studied. No significant change in microsomal protein content was noticed during the period of thiamine deficiency. However, a significant increase in the in vitro oxidation of aminopyrene, ethylmorphine, N-methylaniline and hydroxylation of acetanilide was observed. The NADPH linked and ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation was also increased during thiamine deficiency. The levels of NADPH cytochrome c-reductase, cytochrome b5 and heme were noticeably increased in thiamine deficient animals as compared to normal rats. Phenobarbital treatment induced the activities of all drug enzymes and inhibited the lipid peroxidation in either sex during the period of thiamine deficiency. It appears that thiamine intake is an important determination in drug metabolism and lipid peroxidation.