Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes medications. When you take a drug, it enters your bloodstream, where it can be transported to various tissues and organs. The body then breaks down the drug, usually in the liver, and eliminates it through urine or feces. Understanding pharmacokinetics helps medical professionals determine the right dosage and timing for medications to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. Essentially, it's about how the body interacts with and processes the substances we take to improve our health.
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Pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body handles medications over time. It involves four key processes: absorption, how the drug enters the bloodstream; distribution, how it spreads throughout the body; metabolism, how the body chemically alters the drug; and excretion, how the drug is eliminated. These processes influence the drug's effectiveness, duration of action, and potential side effects. Understanding pharmacokinetics helps doctors determine the right dosage and timing for medications, ensuring they work safely and effectively.