What term describes the mechanism by which drugs exert their effects?

The term that describes the mechanism by which drugs exert their effects is pharmacodynamics. This field focuses on how drugs interact with the body, particularly at the molecular, cellular, and system levels. It encompasses the study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs, how they bind to their targets (like receptors or enzymes), and the subsequent biological response resulting from these interactions.

Understanding pharmacodynamics is crucial for predicting the efficacy and potential side effects of a drug, adjusting dosages, and choosing appropriate therapies based on individual patient needs. This concept is essential in clinical practice to determine the therapeutic effects of medications and how they can be used most effectively to treat diseases.

Drug metabolism refers to the chemical modifications made by the body on the drug, which is a separate process from how the drug acts on the body. Pharmacokinetics deals with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, rather than their mechanisms of action. The therapeutic index is a measure of the safety margin of a drug, indicating the range between effective and toxic doses, but it does not address how the drug works.