Pharmacokinetics

Pharmacokinetics

The movement of drugs throughout the body, including the phases of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption

The movement of a drug into the bloodstream after administration.

Bioavailability

The percentage of an administered drug that is available for activity in the body.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB)

A selective barrier that protects the brain from approximately 98% of drugs on the market.

The reduction in bioavailability of a drug when it is metabolized in the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.

First pass effect

The time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the amount of a drug.

Half-life

Inactive drugs that become active after they are metabolized.

Prodrugs

Drug dissolution

The process of disintegrating a drug into usable chemicals for body absorption.

Protein Binding

The degree to which drugs bind to blood proteins, affecting their bioavailability and activity.

Excretion

The process of eliminating metabolized waste products from the body, primarily through the kidneys.

Enteric-coated (EC) drugs

Medications designed to resist stomach acidity and be absorbed in the small intestine.

Elimination

The process through which drugs and their metabolites are removed from the body.

Dissolution rate

The speed at which a drug disintegrates into its chemical components to be absorbed.

Distribution

The movement of drugs from the circulation to body tissues.

Villi

Small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.

Therapeutic index

The ratio between the toxic and therapeutic doses of a drug, indicating its safety margin.

Trough level

The lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream before the next dose is administered.

Peak level

The highest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream after administration.

Loading dose

A higher initial dose of a drug given to quickly achieve the desired concentration.

Maintenance dose

The dose of a drug administered to maintain therapeutic levels after achieving a steady state.

Contraindications

Conditions or factors that serve as reasons to withhold certain medical treatments.

Adverse effects

Unintended and often harmful effects of a drug.