Phases of drug

action
(Pharmaceutic, Pharmacokinetic,
Pharmacodynamics)
A tablet or capsule taken by mouth
goes through three phases
pharmaceutic, pharmacokinetic,
and pharmacodynamics as drug
actions occur.
PHARMACEUTIC PHASE
The drug becomes a solution so that it can cross the biologic membrane.

Note: When the drug is administered parenterally by subcutaneous (subq), intramuscular (IM), or
intravenous (IV) routes, there is NO pharmaceutic phase.
 PHARMACEUTIC PHASE
The drug becomes a solution so that it can cross the biologic membrane.

 Disintegration is the breakdown of a tablet into

smaller particles.
 Dissolution is the dissolving of the smaller particles
in the GI fluid before absorption.
 Types of Tablet
Buccal/sublingual tablets Sugarcoated tablets

These are flat, oval tablets intended to be dissolved in the buccal pouch Tablets may be coated with a colored or an uncolored sugar layer. The
(buccal tablets) or beneath the tongue (sublingual tablets) for absorption coating is water soluble and quickly dissolves after swallowing.
through the oral mucosa.
 Types of Tablet
Film-coated tablets Enteric-coated tablets

Film-coated tablets are compressed tablets coated with a thin layer Enteric-coated tablets have delayed-release features. They are designed to
of a polymer capable of forming a skin like film. pass unchanged through the stomach to the intestines, where the tablets
disintegrate and allow drug dissolution and absorption and/or effect.
Effervescent tablets Chewable tablets

These tablets are prepared by compressing granular effervescent Chewable tablets, which have a smooth, rapid disintegration when
salts that release gas when in contact with water. chewed or allowed to dissolve in the mouth, have a creamy base,
usually of specially flavored and colored.
Vaginal tablets Lozenges tablets

Vaginal tablets, also called vaginal inserts, are uncoated, bullet- Lozenges are solid dosage forms that are intended to be dissolved
shaped or ovoid tablets inserted into the vagina for local effects. or disintegrated slowly in the mouth.
 PHARMACOKINETIC PHASE
Refers to the passage of drugs into the body, through it, and out of the body.

• There are four processes:

 Absorption
• Describes how the drug moves from the site of
administration to the site of action.
 Distribution
• It is the process by which the drug becomes
available to body fluids and body tissues.
 Metabolism (or biotransformation)
• Describes the process that breaks down the
drug.
 Excretion (or elimination)
• The removal of the drug from the body.
 PHARMACODYNAMIC PHASE
The mechanisms and effects of a medication within the body.

Pharmacodynamics focuses solely on the

initial reaction that occurs when a drug
enters the action site, followed by its
immediately resulting effect.