PSYC 3604 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-3: Neurotransmitter Receptor, Monoamine Oxidase, Drug Metabolism
17 Feb 2014
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Pharmacokinetics: how drugs are handled by the body. These four processes determine the bioavailability of a drug, how much of the drug is administered actually reaches its target. Understanding pharmacokinetics allows determination of the concentration of a drug at its receptor sites and the intensity of drug effect on the receptors as a function of time. Must be stable in stomach fluid, not to be destroyed by gastric acids. Liquid form tends to be absorbed more rapidly than those given in tablet or capsule form. Oral formulation may contain a precursor of a drug called a prodrug prodrug must undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming an active pharmacological agent. After the tablet dissolved, drug molecules are carried into the upper intestine, are then absorbed across the intestinal mucosa by a process of passive diffusion passing from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. If the patient is vomiting, unconscious, or unable to swallow.
