Learning Objectives

• Describe the main routes of administration, their advantages and disadvantages
• Explain the main factors that affect drug absorption, including effects of pH on ionisation
• Define the term "volume of distribution" and explain how it is used
• Describe the role of the liver in drug metabolism, and describe the properties of phase I and II metabolism
• Describe the factors that affect drug metabolism, and explain the impact of these on plasma drug concentrations
• Define the terms clearance and bioavailability, and explain how bioavailability is measured
• Name the major routes of excretion
• Define "half life" and explain its relation to clearance and volume of distribution
• Apply basic ADME concepts to interpret drug pharmacokinetic information

Administration & Absorption

• extent of absorption determines [2 things]?
• why is drug lipid solubility important?
• what is the role of ionisation in drug absorption?
• what are the 4 routes of administration?
• what is drug bioavailability?
• what is half-life?

Drug Distribution

• what determines the rate at which a drug enters compartments?