How does the human body process medicine?

Medicines, which come in different forms, are important in keeping the body healthy against diseases. Even if ingesting medication seems simple, what happens inside the body is an elaborate process that involves different organs. Margaret L. Salmon shares how these remedies work inside the body. Pharmacokinetics is a branch of pharmacology that studies how drugs move within the body. For those who want to remember, ADME stands for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Here's a brief explanation of the process.

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Absorption

Margaret L. Salmon explains that different forms of medication are also taken to the bloodstream in different ways. Most oral medicines are absorbed in the small intestines while others in the stomach before it is regulated in the bloodstream. Intramuscular, subcutaneous, transdermal, or intravenous drugs are absorbed via the skin and lungs.

Distribution

The molecules found in common medications are often distributed through the bloodstream. In this process, the drug can take effect beyond the targeted part, which leads to side effects. However, Margaret L. Salmon explains that not all molecules can cross the so-called blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the nervous system from experiencing side effects.

Metabolism

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The liver is crucial in processing the chemicals found in medicines. During this step, the substances are turned into enzymes that integrates into the body to take effect. Depending on the person's physique, the time spent by the body processing enzymes could vary.

Excretion

Once the body has processed the drug, it has to be removed from the system. The chemicals leave the body naturally through tears, sweat, breath, saliva, urine, and bowel movement. If medication isn't properly eliminated from the body, it can cause drug toxicity.