Pharmacokinetics Interactions

A. Absorption
a. Absorption is the first process of pharmacokinetics. In general, drugs require absorption
to have a pharmacologic effect.
b. Drugs given by mouth must be absorbed through the stomach and/or intestine to reach the
blood to be delivered to the site of action.

B. Distribution
a. After a drug is absorbed or injected into the bloodstream, it is distributed to various
body tissues.
b. DDIs can occur at the distribution phase of pharmacokinetics. Distribution differs
among drugs and depends on factors such as lipid solubility and blood flow to the
specific tissue.

C. Metabolism
a. While drug absorption and distribution are still occurring, the body begins the process
of elimination – getting rid of the drug. Drugs that are water soluble are most easily
excreted by the body. The two major pathways of drug elimination from the body are
metabolism by liver enzymes and excretion through the kidneys.

D. Excretion
a. Excretory mechanisms combine with metabolic processes to eliminate foreign substances
such as drugs from the body.
b. The kidney is the most important organ for drug excretion.
Acidic drug is bound is alpha 1 glycoprotein
Major Drug binding protein is Albumin
Drug inducer - Barbiturates, St. John’s Wort, Carbamazepine, Rifampicin, Chronic alcoholism,
Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Griseofulvin, Sulfonyl ureas
Drug Inhibitor - Sodium Valproate, Cimetidine, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole, Acute Alcholism,
Chloramphenicol, Isoniazid, Erythromycin, Sulfonamides, Ciprofloxacin, Omeprazole, Metronidazole