Pharmacology Lecture notes
Pharmacokinetics -
• refers to how medication's travel through the body
• they undergo a variety of biochemical processes that result in absorption, distribution,
metabolism, and excretion
Phases of pharmacokinetics -
1. Absorption
2. Distribution
3. Metabolism
4. Excretion
Phases of pharmacokinetics: Absorption -
• the transmission of medication's from the location of administration to the blood
stream
(GI, tract muscle, skin, mucus, membranes, or subcutaneous tissue)
• most common routes of administration are enteral (through the G.I. tract) and
parenteral (by injection)
• the rate of medication absorption determines how soon the medication will take affect
• the amount of medication the body absorbs determines the intensity of its effects
Phases of pharmacokinetics: Distribution -
• the transportation of medication's to sites of action by bodily fluids
Factors influencing distribution include: -
• circulation: conditions that inhibit blood flow or perfusion can delay, medication,
distribution (peripheral, vascular, or cardiac disease)
• permeability of the cell membrane: the medication must be able to pass through
tissues and membranes to reach its target area. Medication's that are lipid soluble or
have a transport system can cross the blood brain barrier and the placenta.
