Pharmacokinetics is the branch of pharmacology dedicated to understanding the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs within the body. These processes determine the concentrations of drugs in biological fluids and tissues, which in turn influence the drug's therapeutic and adverse effects. In the context of epidemiology, pharmacokinetics aids in assessing how various populations respond to medications, considering factors such as age, gender, genetic makeup, and the presence of other diseases.
