What term describes the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of a drug?

The term that describes the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of a drug is pharmacokinetics. This field of study focuses on how a drug moves through the body over time, illustrating the various processes that determine the drug's concentration at various sites within the body and how effectively it exerts its therapeutic effects.

Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial for determining the appropriate dosages of medications, which influences both the efficacy and safety of drug therapy. It provides insights into how individual patient factors, such as age, weight, and organ function, can affect the pharmacokinetics of a drug, guiding healthcare professionals in making informed decisions about medication management.

The other terms provided refer to different aspects of pharmacology: pharmacodynamics pertains to the effects of drugs on the body, pharmacogenomics studies the role of genetics in drug response, and toxicology focuses on the harmful effects of substances. Each of these fields is important in their own right but does not encompass the specific processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination that characterize pharmacokinetics.