In terms of pharmacokinetics, what does metabolism mainly refer to?

Metabolism primarily refers to the body's alteration of a drug, which is a crucial component of pharmacokinetics. This process involves the biochemical transformation of the drug into different chemical entities, typically through enzymatic activity in the liver. Metabolism affects how a drug's effectiveness and safety are altered over time.

Once a drug is administered, it undergoes various metabolic processes that can convert it into active metabolites, which may have therapeutic effects, or into inactive forms that can be more easily eliminated from the body. Understanding this concept is vital for healthcare professionals to adjust dosages based on how individual patients metabolize medications, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

This understanding of metabolism also highlights its critical role in determining the duration and intensity of a drug's action in the body.