What does ADME mean in MEDICAL

Absorption refers to the process by which a drug enters the bloodstream after being administered. It can occur through various routes, such as oral ingestion, injection, or topical application. The rate and extent of absorption depend on factors like the drug's solubility, lipophilicity, and the route of administration. Understanding absorption is crucial for optimizing drug delivery and achieving desired therapeutic effects.

Distribution refers to the process by which a drug is distributed throughout the body after absorption. It involves the drug's binding to plasma proteins, crossing biological membranes, and reaching various tissues and organs. Factors influencing distribution include blood flow, tissue permeability, and the drug's affinity for specific binding sites. Understanding distribution is essential for determining the drug's availability to target sites and assessing potential drug interactions.

Metabolism refers to the chemical transformation of a drug within the body. It typically occurs in the liver, where enzymes break down the drug into metabolites. Metabolism can enhance or reduce the drug's effectiveness, alter its duration of action, and produce potential toxic compounds. Understanding metabolism is crucial for predicting drug interactions, optimizing dosing regimens, and assessing the drug's safety profile.

Excretion refers to the process by which the drug and its metabolites are eliminated from the body. It primarily occurs through the kidneys (via urine) and the liver (via bile). Other routes of excretion include sweat, saliva, and feces. Understanding excretion is essential for determining drug clearance rates, optimizing dosing intervals, and assessing the potential for drug accumulation in the body.