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Overview of Pharmacokinetics

By

Jennifer Le

, PharmD, MAS, BCPS-ID, FIDSA, FCCP, FCSHP, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2022
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Topic Resources

Pharmacodynamics Overview of Pharmacodynamics Pharmacodynamics (sometimes described as what a drug does to the body) is the study of the biochemical, physiologic, and molecular effects of drugs on the body and involves receptor binding... read more , described as what a drug does to the body, involves receptor binding, postreceptor effects, and chemical interactions. Drug pharmacokinetics determines the onset, duration, and intensity of a drug’s effect. Formulas relating these processes summarize the pharmacokinetic behavior of most drugs (see table Formulas Defining Basic Pharmacokinetic Parameters Formulas Defining Basic Pharmacokinetic Parameters Formulas Defining Basic Pharmacokinetic Parameters ).

Table

Pharmacokinetics of a drug depends on patient-related factors as well as on the drug’s chemical properties. Some patient-related factors (eg, renal function, genetic makeup, sex, age) can be used to predict the pharmacokinetic parameters in populations. For example, the half-life of some drugs, especially those that require both metabolism and excretion, may be remarkably long in older people (see figure Comparison of pharmacokinetic outcomes for diazepam in a younger man [A] and an older man [B] Comparison of pharmacokinetic outcomes for diazepam in a younger man (A) and an older man (B) Comparison of pharmacokinetic outcomes for diazepam in a younger man (A) and an older man (B) ). In fact, physiologic changes with aging affect many aspects of pharmacokinetics (see Pharmacokinetics in Older Adults Pharmacokinetics in Older Adults Pharmacokinetics is best defined as what the body does to the drug; it includes Absorption Distribution across body compartments Metabolism Excretion read more and Pharmacokinetics in Children Pharmacokinetics in Children Pharmacokinetics refers to the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. There are important age-related variations in pharmacokinetics. Absorption from the gastrointestinal... read more ).

Other factors are related to individual physiology. The effects of some individual factors (eg, renal failure, obesity, hepatic failure, dehydration) can be reasonably predicted, but other factors are idiosyncratic and thus have unpredictable effects. Because of individual differences, drug administration must be based on each patient’s needs—traditionally, by empirically adjusting dosage until the therapeutic objective is met. This approach is frequently inadequate because it can delay optimal response or result in adverse effects.

Knowledge of pharmacokinetic principles helps prescribers adjust dosage more accurately and rapidly. Application of pharmacokinetic principles to individualize pharmacotherapy is termed therapeutic drug monitoring.

Comparison of pharmacokinetic outcomes for diazepam in a younger man (A) and an older man (B)

Diazepam is metabolized in the liver to desmethyldiazepam through P-450 enzymes. Desmethyldiazepam is an active sedative, which is excreted by the kidneys. 0 = time of dosing. (Adapted from Greenblatt DJ, Allen MD, Harmatz JS, Shader RI: Diazepam disposition determinants. 27:301–312, 1980.)

Comparison of pharmacokinetic outcomes for diazepam in a younger man (A) and an older man (B)

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Diastat, Dizac, Valium, VALTOCO
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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