What term describes the process that determines how a drug distributes within the body compartments?

The process that describes how a drug distributes within the body compartments is known as distribution. This phase follows the administration of a drug and involves its movement from the bloodstream to various tissues and organs. Understanding distribution is essential because it affects the drug's therapeutic effectiveness, onset of action, and overall pharmacokinetics.

Factors that can influence distribution include blood flow to tissues, the drug's affinity for different tissues, and the permeability of cell membranes. Knowledge of distribution helps healthcare professionals determine appropriate dosages and predict how long a drug will exert its effects within the body.

The other terms, while related to pharmacokinetics, focus on different aspects of drug handling within the body. Elimination pertains to the removal of the drug from the body, metabolism involves the biochemical modification of the drug, and absorption refers to the process by which the drug enters the bloodstream from the site of administration.