Which of the following are the four essential processes in pharmacokinetics?

The four essential processes in pharmacokinetics are absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption refers to the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream after administration. It is crucial because it determines the onset of drug action and affects the overall bioavailability of the drug, which is the proportion of the drug that enters circulation and is available to have an effect.

Distribution follows absorption and describes how the drug disperses throughout the body fluids and tissues. This process is influenced by factors such as blood flow to tissues, the drug's solubility, and its binding to plasma proteins.

Metabolism, often referred to as biotransformation, is the chemical alteration of the drug, usually taking place in the liver. It plays a key role in transforming the drug into a more water-soluble form, making it easier to excrete.

Excretion is the final process, which involves the removal of the drug and its metabolites from the body, primarily through the kidneys via urine, but also through other routes like bile, sweat, and saliva.

The option you identified captures all four essential processes accurately, highlighting their importance in understanding how drugs act within the body and their overall pharmacokinetic behavior. The other options contain terms that do not