From the Guidelines
Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics are two distinct fields in the study of drugs, with pharmacology being the broader discipline that encompasses all aspects of drug interactions with living organisms, and pharmacokinetics focusing on the specific processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs over time. Pharmacology is concerned with the properties, effects, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and adverse effects of drugs, including both what drugs do to the body (pharmacodynamics) and what the body does to drugs 1. On the other hand, pharmacokinetics examines how the body processes drugs, including how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted, which is crucial for understanding how to optimize drug dosing and minimize adverse effects 1.
Some key differences between pharmacology and pharmacokinetics include:
- Pharmacology focuses on the overall effects of drugs on the body, while pharmacokinetics focuses on the specific processes that occur as the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs
- Pharmacology encompasses both pharmacodynamics (what drugs do to the body) and pharmacokinetics (what the body does to drugs)
- Pharmacokinetics is essential for understanding how to optimize drug dosing, particularly in special populations such as older adults or those with kidney or liver impairment 1
For example, understanding the pharmacology of a drug like amoxicillin would involve knowing its mechanism of action (inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis), while understanding its pharmacokinetics would involve knowing its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics, such as its half-life and how it is affected by kidney function 1. By understanding both pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, healthcare providers can develop effective treatment regimens that maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
1 Mechanism of Action Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. 12. 3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption The absolute bioavailability of a metformin hydrochloride tablets 500 mg given under fasting conditions is approximately 50% to 60%
The difference between pharmacology and pharmacokinetics is that pharmacology is the study of the mechanism of action of a drug, which includes its effects on the body, while pharmacokinetics is the study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of a drug.
- Pharmacology involves understanding how a drug works, its therapeutic effects, and its potential side effects.
- Pharmacokinetics involves understanding how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. In the context of metformin, its pharmacology is related to its ability to improve glucose tolerance, while its pharmacokinetics is related to its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as described in the label 2.
From the Research
Definition of Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacology is a discipline that deals with the study of drugs, including their composition, properties, and effects on living organisms 3, 4, 5.
- Pharmacokinetics is a subset of pharmacology that focuses on the study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in the body 3, 5, 6.
Key Differences
- Pharmacology encompasses a broader range of topics, including pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacogenomics, whereas pharmacokinetics is primarily concerned with the ADME processes 4, 5, 6.
- Pharmacokinetics aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the main processes involved in the biodisposition of drugs, while pharmacology seeks to understand the effects of drugs on the body and the underlying mechanisms of drug action 3, 5, 6.
Relationship between Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics
- Pharmacokinetics is essential for understanding how drugs are handled by the body, which in turn affects their pharmacological response 3, 5, 6.
- Pharmacodynamics, a component of pharmacology, describes the relationship between drug concentration and effect, and is closely linked to pharmacokinetics 4, 6.
- The integration of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles is crucial for optimizing drug therapy and minimizing adverse effects 6, 7.