What is the Origin of Therapeutic Absorption?

The term is a compound of "therapeutic," meaning having a healing or curative effect, and "absorption," which is derived from the Latin absorbere, meaning to swallow up. In pharmacology, it signifies the passage of the drug across biological membranes into the bloodstream.

What is the Mechanism of Therapeutic Absorption?

For a drug to be therapeutically absorbed, it must overcome various biological barriers, which involves passive diffusion, facilitated transport, or active transport across epithelial and endothelial membranes. The drug's molecular size, lipophilicity, and ionization state are key determinants of its ability to cross these barriers. Once in the blood, the concentration achieved must reach the minimum effective concentration to initiate the intended physiological or hormonal response.

Therapeutic Absorption ∞ Area

Therapeutic Absorption

Meaning

Therapeutic Absorption is the pharmacokinetic process describing the movement of an administered drug from its site of application into the systemic circulation in a sufficient quantity to elicit a desired clinical effect. This critical phase determines the drug’s bioavailability and the onset of its action, directly influencing the success of any pharmacological intervention. Factors such as route of administration, drug formulation, and local blood flow profoundly affect this process.