What does pharmacokinetics primarily concern itself with?

Pharmacokinetics primarily focuses on the movement of drugs throughout the body, which includes the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. This field examines how a drug is taken into the body, how it travels through the bloodstream, how it is broken down by metabolic processes, and how it is eliminated from the body. Understanding these processes is crucial for determining the appropriate dosage and frequency of administration to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing potential toxicity.

While other areas like pharmacodynamics look at the drug's impact on the body or its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics specifically outlines the journey and transformation of the drug within biological systems. This foundational knowledge is essential for healthcare providers, including midwives, as it informs clinical decision-making related to drug therapy in different populations, including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals.