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1. Route of administration: Intravenous administration has a quick absorption

compared to intramuscular administration.

2. Solubility of the drug.

3. Sit of administration.

4. pH of the body fluid.

5. Concentration of the drug and its dosage.

Distribution is the process by which the medication is delivered to the target

cells and tissues. Distribution is influenced by the following:

1. Effectiveness of the circulatory system.

2. Amount of medication bound to protein.

3. Tissue specificity of the drug.

Metabolism is the process of deactivation of the drug in the body. Liver is the
main organ which metabolises the medication. Besides liver, kidney, blood plasma,
lungs and intestinal mucosa also can metabolise drugs. The rate of metabolism is
affected by the alteration in liver function.

Excretion is the process of removing the drug or its metabolites from the body.
Kidney plays a major role in excretion of the drug metabolites. Lung and intestines
also help in drug excretion. Damage to the kidney can adversely affect the
excretion of the drug.

Pharmacodynamics refers to the physiological and biochemical effects of a drug on

the body. A basic understanding of these will enable the nurse to evaluate
therapeutic and adverse effect of medications. Most of the drugs interact with a
cellular component to initiate a series of biochemical and physiological effects
which can be local or systemic. Effects of medication administered are monitored by
client's clinical condition and laboratory measurements. If the medication is
effective, the client will manifest improvement in the clinical conditions and
there can also be change in the laboratory measures.

Effects of Drugs on the Body

Therapeutic Effects

It is the effect which is desired or the reason a drug is prescribed. Therapeutic

effects are the medication's desired and intentional effects. These effects vary
with the nature of medications, the length of time the client has been receiving