Drug distribution
Drug Distribution
Drug distribution (pronunciation: /drʌg dɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/) refers to the process by which a drug is transferred from the site of administration to the various tissues of the body.
Etymology
The term 'drug distribution' is derived from the Latin words 'drogus' meaning 'drug' and 'distributio' meaning 'distribution'.
Process
Drug distribution involves several steps. First, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream. This can occur through various routes, such as oral, intravenous, or transdermal. Once in the bloodstream, the drug is transported to the various tissues and organs of the body. The rate and extent of drug distribution can be influenced by several factors, including the drug's chemical properties, the patient's physiological state, and the presence of protein binding in the blood.
Factors Affecting Drug Distribution
Several factors can affect drug distribution. These include:
- Blood flow: Drugs are distributed more rapidly to organs with a high blood flow, such as the liver and kidneys.
- Plasma protein binding: Drugs that bind to plasma proteins are distributed more slowly because they are not free to cross cell membranes.
- Lipid solubility: Lipid-soluble drugs are distributed more widely because they can cross cell membranes more easily.
- Molecular size: Large molecules are distributed more slowly because they cannot easily cross cell membranes.
Related Terms
- Pharmacokinetics: The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.
- Pharmacodynamics: The study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.
- Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Drug distribution
- Wikipedia's article - Drug distribution
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