Week 2

Question 1

Describe pharmacokinetics.

Answer 1

Relates to how a drug is processed in the body through absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion.

Question 2

Describe pharmacodynamics.

Answer 2

Relates to the mechanisms of the drug and its effect on the body - biochemical and physiological.

Question 3

Describe absorption.

Answer 3

The method through which a drug enters the body’s blood stream after administration, except intravascular administration.

Question 4

Describe distribution.

Answer 4

The process of a drug transferring between location of administration and body tissues/organs.

Question 5

Describe metabolism.

Answer 5

The process of enzymes chemically modifying drug molecules for use and excretion.

Question 6

Define excretion.

Answer 6

Drug metabolites are removed from the body via the kidneys’ glomerular filtration in the urine and faces. Sweating, exhaling, saliva and breast milk also excrete.

Question 7

What is a drug’s therapeutic range?

Answer 7

The concentration in the body that has an increased probability of producing a desired effect and decreased probability of causing adverse effects.

Question 8

What is active transport?

Answer 8

Molecules or ions moving across a plasma membrane against a concentration ingredient.

Question 9

What is diffusion?

Answer 9

Particles moving from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Question 10

What is dissolution?

Answer 10

A complex chemical compound separating into simpler molecules.

Question 11

Give four variables that affect drug absorption.

Answer 11

1. Nature of the absorbing membrane.
2. Blood flow.
3. Solubility of the drug.
4. Degree of ionisation and formulation characteristics.