Which process is defined as the removal of drugs or their metabolites from the body?

The removal of drugs or their metabolites from the body is specifically referred to as excretion. This process is essential for maintaining the body’s homeostasis and preventing the accumulation of substances that could be harmful if allowed to remain in the body for too long. Excretion primarily occurs through the kidneys, where waste products are filtered out of the blood and excreted in urine, but it can also take place through other routes such as bile, sweat, and exhalation.

In contrast, metabolism involves the biochemical alteration of drugs in the body, typically to facilitate their excretion. Absorption refers to how drugs enter the circulation after administration, while distribution describes how the drug spreads through body tissues and fluids after entering the bloodstream. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in pharmacology, especially in midwifery, as they affect drug efficacy, safety, and the management of medications used during pregnancy and childbirth.