Final answer:
Distribution is the process of how drugs are transported and inactivated in the body. It involves metabolism, excretion, absorption, and other mechanisms that determine the fate of drugs. Factors like plasma protein binding and the blood-brain barrier can affect drug distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distribution refers to the process of how drugs are transported and inactivated in the body. It involves various mechanisms, such as metabolism, excretion, and absorption, which determine the fate of drugs in the body.
For example, drugs may be excreted in the urine or eliminated through other pathways.
The route of administration also plays a role in drug distribution, with intravenous administration typically resulting in higher drug levels compared to oral or intramuscular administration.
One important factor that affects drug distribution is plasma protein binding (PPB).
If a drug has a high binding affinity to plasma proteins, it may have a limited ability to penetrate into tissues and produce the desired effect.
Additionally, the blood-brain barrier can be a barrier to drug absorption, especially for central nervous system (CNS) active agents.