What is meant by "pharmacokinetics"?

The term "pharmacokinetics" refers to the study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. This field examines the processes that affect a drug's journey through the body after administration.

In pharmacokinetics, absorption involves how a drug enters the bloodstream, distribution relates to how the drug disperses throughout the body's tissues and fluids, metabolism involves the biochemical transformation of the drug, usually in the liver, and excretion encompasses the elimination of the drug from the body, primarily through urine or feces. Understanding these processes is crucial for determining the appropriate dosage, frequency, and potential side effects of medications.

This foundational knowledge helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about drug therapy, ensuring that medications are safe and effective for patients. This focus on the drug's pathways and actions within the body distinguishes pharmacokinetics from other areas such as pharmacodynamics, which looks at how drugs affect the body, or economic analyses related to medication usage.