What is pharmacokinetics?

Pharmacokinetics is defined as the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. This field focuses on the movement of drugs within the body and the time it takes for them to exert their effects. By understanding pharmacokinetics, healthcare providers can determine optimal dosing regimens, predict how individuals will respond to drugs, and evaluate the duration of drug action.

The process begins with absorption, which describes how a drug enters the bloodstream. Distribution refers to how the drug is transported throughout the body to various tissues. Metabolism involves the chemical alteration of the drug, primarily occurring in the liver, which can affect the drug's activity and elimination. Finally, excretion is the process through which the drug and its metabolites are removed from the body, usually through the kidneys.

This comprehensive understanding of a drug's journey through the body is crucial for effective therapy, ensuring that medications achieve their desired effects while minimizing potential side effects and toxicity.