Absorption Kinetics

Origin

The term combines “absorption,” derived from the Latin absorbere meaning “to swallow,” and “kinetics,” stemming from the Greek kinēsis for “motion” or “movement.” In the context of pharmacology and endocrinology, this concept emerged from the foundational field of pharmacokinetics, which studies how the body affects a drug. This scientific framework provides the mathematical models necessary to characterize drug disposition within a living system. It is a cornerstone of modern clinical pharmacology, essential for rational drug development and therapeutic personalization.

Mechanism

The process begins with the dissolution of the drug formulation at the administration site, followed by its transport across biological membranes, typically into the bloodstream. Factors like the compound’s molecular size, lipid solubility, and the local blood flow significantly influence the speed of this uptake. For oral hormonal therapies, the gastrointestinal environment and first-pass metabolism in the liver are major determinants of absorption efficiency. Ultimately, the absorption kinetics dictate the plasma concentration-time curve, which guides the safe and efficacious use of hormone therapy protocols.