Pharmacokinetics in paramedic practice

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted by the body, and is often summarised as ‘what the body does to the drug.’ It focuses on the processes that influence a drug's journey through the body and its concentration over time. These processes – collectively known as ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) – are shaped by factors such as the drug's formulation, route of administration, and individual patient characteristics. A robust understanding of pharmacokinetics equips paramedics to predict drug onset, duration of action, and potential accumulation, enabling accurate medication use and enhanced patient care in clinical practice.