Introduction to Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics

This foundational topic in Pharmacology and Toxicology covers the core principles of drug action and disposition within the body. It defines pharmacology, distinguishes drugs from medicines, and explores diverse drug sources from plants to recombinant DNA technology. The focus then shifts to Pharmacokinetics—the quantitative study of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME). Key concepts such as bioavailability, volume of distribution, half-life, and clearance are explained in detail, alongside factors influencing drug metabolism and elimination. For Zambian tertiary students enrolled in degree or diploma programs in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Biomedical Sciences, or Medicine, this topic is indispensable. It provides the scientific basis for understanding drug dosage, therapeutic effects, and toxicity—knowledge that is critical for passing university examinations at institutions like UNZA and for future careers in healthcare, pharmaceutical research, or regulatory affairs within Zambia.