What does the term 'ADME' in pharmacokinetics stand for?

The term 'ADME' in pharmacokinetics stands for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. This framework is critical in understanding how a drug behaves in the body after administration.

Absorption refers to how the drug enters the systemic circulation after administration, which can be influenced by factors such as the route of administration and the drug’s formulation. Distribution involves the dispersion of the drug throughout the body fluids and tissues, impacting how effectively it reaches target sites and exerts its therapeutic action. Metabolism describes the biotransformation processes that modify the drug, often in the liver, ultimately affecting its activity and solubility. Excretion is the elimination of the drug from the body, primarily through renal or hepatic pathways, and is crucial for determining the drug’s duration of action and overall safety profile.

This understanding of ADME is essential for pharmacologists in drug development and regulatory affairs, enabling them to predict the behavior of drugs and ensure that they are both effective and safe for patient use.