Pharmacokinetics refers to the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a drug in the body. It involves how the body processes a drug, including how the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, distributed to different tissues, metabolized (broken down) by the body, and eventually eliminated from the body.
To break it down:
1. **Absorption**: This is how the drug enters the bloodstream, usually through the digestive tract or other routes like injection or inhalation.
2. **Distribution**: Once in the bloodstream, the drug is carried to different parts of the body where it exerts its effects.
3. **Metabolism**: The drug is broken down by various enzymes in the body, often in the liver, into substances that can be easily excreted.
4. **Excretion**: The final step where the drug or its metabolites are eliminated from the body, usually through urine or feces.
Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial in determining the appropriate dosage of a drug, how often it should be administered, and whether any adjustments need to be made based on individual differences in metabolism and excretion.
