Which term describes the movement of drugs throughout the body?

The term that describes the movement of drugs throughout the body is distribution. Once a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, distribution involves the dispersion of the drug via blood circulation to various tissues and organs. This process is influenced by factors such as blood flow, the permeability of cell membranes, and the binding of drugs to proteins in plasma.

Understanding distribution is crucial in pharmacology because it determines the concentration of the drug at its site of action, which in turn affects both therapeutic outcomes and the potential for adverse effects. The distribution phase can vary significantly between different drugs, and this can influence decisions regarding dosages and frequency of administration in clinical practice.