Which terms are included when discussing pharmacokinetics? Select all that apply.

Pharmacokinetics is a branch of pharmacology that focuses on how a drug moves through the body over time. This encompasses several key concepts, including the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, all of which are critical in determining the effective use of a drug.

Onset and duration are essential pharmacokinetic terms because they describe how quickly a drug begins to take effect and for how long its effects last. Knowing the onset allows healthcare providers to predict how soon a patient might feel relief from symptoms, while understanding the duration helps in planning how often a dosage should be administered to maintain therapeutic levels.

Bioavailability is another critical concept in pharmacokinetics. It refers to the proportion of a drug that enters the systemic circulation in an active form when it is introduced into the body. This measure directly impacts how effective a drug can be, as it indicates how much of the administered dose reaches the target tissues.

Steady state is a pharmacokinetic term that describes the point at which the drug's intake is equal to its elimination, resulting in a stable concentration of the drug within the body. Achieving steady state is important for maintaining therapeutic levels and ensuring that the drug remains effective over time.

While adverse effects are relevant in the