What is pharmacokinetics?

Pharmacokinetics is fundamentally defined as the study of how drugs move through the body, encompassing four key processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. This definition captures the entirety of the processes involved once a drug is administered, detailing how the body interacts with the drug at various stages.

Absorption refers to the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration. Distribution involves the dispersion of the drug throughout body fluids and tissues. Metabolism, often conducted by liver enzymes, is the chemical alteration of the drug, which can affect its activity and ultimately prepare it for excretion. Lastly, excretion is the removal of the drug from the body, primarily through urine or feces.

Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial for determining the right dosage and frequency of drug administration to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects.