Biopharmaceutics and Biologic Drugs

Drug Disposition & Pharmacokinetics

Once a particular medicine is chosen, the principles of clinical pharmacokinetics are required to ensure the appropriate formulation of drug is chosen for an appropriate route of administration. On the basis of the patient’s drug handling parameters, which require an understanding of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, the dosage regimen for the medicine in a particular patient can be developed. The pharmacist will then need to ensure that the appropriate regimen is prescribed to achieve optimal efficacy and minimal toxicity. Pharmacists then ensure that the appropriate monitoring is undertaken and that the patient receives the appropriate information to ensure compliance. Clinical pharmacokinetics  is thus a fundamental knowledge base that pharmacists require  to ensure effective practice of pharmaceutical care.