Did you know that when you take an oral medication, it goes through several stages in your body before it can start working? This process is known as pharmacokinetics. First, the medication is absorbed in your gastrointestinal tract, usually in the small intestine. It then enters your bloodstream and is distributed throughout your body, reaching the target organ or tissue. Next, the medication is metabolized by enzymes in your liver, which breaks it down into smaller molecules that can be excreted by your kidneys. This is why some medications can affect liver function and require monitoring. The final stage is elimination, where the medication is excreted either through urine or feces. The rate of elimination determines how long the medication stays in your system and how often you need to take it. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of oral medications is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure the right dosage and timing for each patient. By tailoring treatment to individual pharmacokinetic profiles, we can maximize a medication's effectiveness while minimizing side effects.