Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Interplay, Innovations, and Implications for Precision Medicine

Abstract

Pharmacokinetics (PK) studies how drugs move through the body, encompassing absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). These processes determine the concentration of a drug at its site of action over time, influencing its therapeutic efficacy and safety (Daripally& Peddi, 2020). Absorption refers to how a drug enters the bloodstream, while distribution explains its movement into tissues. Metabolism primarily occurs in the liver, converting drugs into active or inactive forms. Excretion eliminates drugs through pathways like urine or feces. Understanding PK ensures optimal dosing by predicting how a drug behaves in diverse populations, such as children, elderly patients, or individuals with liver disease. PK principles lay the foundation for designing effective treatment regimens that balance therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects (Emondet al.,2023).