Principles of pharmacology

Abstract

An understanding of the basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs is important in appropriate therapeutic use of various drugs. In simple terms, the effects of the body on the drug once it has entered the body has been referred to as pharmacokinetics, and it aims to provide a quantitative assessment of the main processes involved in biodisposition of the drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Pharmacodynamics concerns itself with the effects of the drug on the body and the main processes involved are the action of the drug on specific sites, especially the receptors. In addition, pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics evaluates the influence of genetics on drug response. This article reviews basic concepts of pharmacology applicable to psychotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of mental disorders of children and adolescents.