What is the process called when a medication moves from its site of administration to the bloodstream?

The process referred to when a medication moves from its site of administration to the bloodstream is called absorption. Absorption involves various mechanisms by which drugs are transferred from the site of administration, such as the gastrointestinal tract or an injection site, into the circulatory system.

This process is crucial as it impacts the amount of medication available to exert its therapeutic effects. Factors influencing absorption include the formulation of the drug, the route of administration, the presence of food in the stomach, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract.

In contrast, distribution involves the dispersion of the absorbed drug throughout the body, metabolism refers to the chemical alteration of the drug, usually in the liver, and excretion pertains to how the drug is eliminated from the body, often through urine or feces. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental for anyone studying pharmacology or healthcare.