What is the term for the study of drug effects on the body?

Pharmacodynamics refers to the study of the effects and mechanisms of action of drugs on the body. It encompasses how the drug interacts with target organs, including their biochemical and physiological effects, as well as the relationship between drug concentration and effect. Understanding pharmacodynamics is crucial for determining effective dosages and anticipating therapeutic responses, as well as potential side effects.

In contrast, pharmacokinetics focuses on how the body affects a drug over time, including the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Pharmaceutics deals with the formulation and delivery of drugs, while pharmacogenomics studies how genetic variations influence an individual’s response to drugs. This delineation helps clarify the unique focus of pharmacodynamics in the overall study of pharmacology.