What is the study of how the body handles a drug over time, including drug absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion?

The study of how the body manages a drug over time, including the processes of absorption, distribution, biotransformation (metabolism), and excretion, is referred to as pharmacokinetics. This field focuses on the trajectory of a drug from the moment it enters the body until it is eliminated. It encompasses how much of a drug reaches systemic circulation and the impact of various factors such as dosage, route of administration, age, and individual health conditions on these processes.

Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial for determining the appropriate dosing regimens, predicting drug interactions, and minimizing toxicity. This knowledge enables healthcare professionals to optimize therapeutic benefits while ensuring patient safety.

Pharmacodynamics, on the other hand, refers to how drugs affect the body, focusing on mechanisms of action and the relationship between drug concentration and its pharmacological effect. Pharmacometrics involves the use of mathematical models to study pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, while pharmacolistics is a less commonly used term that typically doesn’t fit within the established categories of drug study. Hence, pharmacokinetics is the most accurate answer.