Definition of Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the branch of pharmacology that deals with the quantitative study of how a drug moves into, though, and out of the body over time.
- It answers the question: “What does the body do to the drug?”
- Pharmacokinetics focuses on four primary processes, collectively referred to as ADME:
- Absorption
- Distribution
- Metabolism
- Excretion
Importance of Pharmacokinetics
- Helps determine proper dosage regimens, frequency of administration, and the optimal route of drug delivery.
- Aids in predicting drug-drug interactions, avoiding toxicity, and optimizing therapeutic efficacy.
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Key Aspects of Pharmacokinetics (ADME)
- Absorption
- The process of a drug entering the bloodstream from its site of administration.
- Distribution
- The dispersion of the drug throughout the fluids and tissues of the body.
- Metabolism (Biotransformation)
- The biochemical modification of the drug, mainly occurring in the liver.
- Excretion
- The removal of the drug and its metabolites, primarily via the kidneys (urine) or bile (feces).
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