Farmakokinetikë

Farmakokinetikë is the study of how a drug moves through the body over time. It encompasses the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, often abbreviated as ADME. Absorption describes how a drug enters the bloodstream from its site of administration. Distribution refers to the reversible transfer of a drug from one location in the body to another. Metabolism, also known as biotransformation, involves the chemical alteration of a drug by the body, typically making it more water-soluble for easier elimination. Excretion is the process by which the drug and its metabolites are removed from the body, primarily through urine and feces, but also via sweat, breath, and other routes. Understanding these pharmacokinetic processes is crucial for determining appropriate drug dosages, dosing frequencies, and routes of administration to achieve therapeutic effects while minimizing toxicity. Factors such as a patient's age, weight, organ function, and other medications can significantly influence pharmacokinetics. By studying how the body handles a drug, healthcare professionals can optimize treatment strategies and personalize medication regimens for individual patients. This knowledge is fundamental to rational drug therapy and the development of new pharmaceutical agents.