Pharmacokinetics describes the movement of a drug into, through, and out of the body. This process is typically divided into four stages, often referred to by the acronym ADME:
Excretion: Finally, the drug and its metabolites are removed from the body. The kidneys are the primary organs for excretion via urine, though drugs can also be cleared through bile, sweat, or breath. Pharmacodynamics: What the Drug Does to the Body Basic Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: An...
Efficacy and Potency: Efficacy refers to the maximum effect a drug can produce, while potency refers to the amount of drug required to produce a specific intensity of effect. The PK/PD Connection Pharmacokinetics describes the movement of a drug into,
Absorption: This is the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration. Factors like the route of delivery (oral, intravenous, topical), the drug’s solubility, and the physiological environment (such as stomach pH) influence how much of the drug reaches systemic circulation. Pharmacodynamics: What the Drug Does to the Body
Metabolism: The body, primarily the liver, chemically alters the drug to make it easier to excrete. This often involves transforming active drugs into inactive metabolites, though some "prodrugs" are designed to become active only after metabolism.