What does ADME stand for in pharmacology?

• A. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
• B. Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination
• C. Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
• D. Absorption, Diffusion, Metabolism, Excretion

Answer: (A)

In pharmacology, ADME outlines the four main pharmacokinetic processes that determine how a drug moves through and leaves the body. Absorption is how the drug enters the bloodstream after administration. Distribution refers to the spread of the drug from the blood to tissues and organs. Metabolism is the body's chemical alteration of the drug, largely in the liver, converting it to metabolites. Excretion is the removal of the drug and its metabolites from the body, mainly through the kidneys in urine, but also via bile, breath, and sweat. The term Excretion is the standard end of the acronym, whereas adsorption and diffusion refer to different concepts, and elimination is sometimes used but not the canonical term in ADME.