Pharmacokinetics (ADME)

This set covers the four core actions of pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as related concepts like half-life and barriers.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how medications move through the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption

The process by which the body converts medication into a form it can use and moves it into the bloodstream.

IV administration

A route of administration where medication goes directly to the bloodstream, resulting in a much quicker onset than routes involving the skin or airways.

Fat solubility

A factor affecting absorption where medications that dissolve easily in fat pass more readily through cell membranes into the blood.

Parenteral administration

The administration of medication by injection, required for medications negatively affected by the gastrointestinal system.

Distribution

The transportation of medication throughout the body to tissues and organs, primarily carried by the bloodstream.

Blood-brain barrier

A protective barrier that prevents dangerous chemicals from reaching the brain but can also hinder the entry of therapeutic substances.

Placenta barrier

A barrier that many medications cross very easily, creating risks for pregnant patients.

Metabolism

The process of changing active forms of medication into harmless metabolites, primarily occurring in the liver.

Metabolites

The end products of metabolism that are harmless and prepared for excretion through urine or feces.

Excretion

The removal of a medication's metabolites from the body via the kidneys (urine), feces, bile, saliva, sweat, breast milk, or exhaled air.

Half-life

The time required for the processes of metabolism and excretion to eliminate half a dose of a medication.

Therapeutic level

The range at which a medication is effective; if a dose is not received before the half-life time, the level may drop too low to work.