Chapter 4 Pharmacokinetics Learning Objectives: 1. List the four main processes that make up pharmacokinetics. ● The four main processes that make up pharmacokinetics are absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Chapter 4 reading: Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs move throughout the body, including processes like absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial in maximizing the benefits of drug therapy and minimizing harm. By applying this knowledge, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions regarding dosage, route of administration, and dosing schedule. Bullet points Enterohepatic recirculation: ● Repeating cycle where drug undergoes glucuronidation in the liver, transport to the duodenum via bile, hydrolytic release of free drug by intestinal enzymes, and transport back to the liver through the portal blood Drug excretion by the kidneys ● ● Most drugs are excreted by the kidneys When drug administration is discontinued, around 94% of the drug in the body will be eliminated over four half-lives Renal drug excretion process ● Renal drug excretion involves three steps: glomerular filtration, passive tubular reabsorption, and active tubular secretion Lipid-soluble drugs and reabsorption ● Drugs that are highly lipid-soluble undergo extensive passive reabsorption back into the blood Additional information ● ● For chapter-specific NCLEX® examination review questions, visit http://evolve.elsevier.com/Lehne Note: the provided text cuts off abruptly after "therefore"