2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
2 Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology
Part V: Ocular Pharmacology
Chapter 15: Pharmacologic Principles
Introduction to Pharmacologic Principles
This chapter reviews the general principles of pharmacology and includes discussion of special features of the eye that facilitate or impede ocular therapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics concerns the movement of a drug through the body, including the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of that drug. To achieve a therapeutic effect, a drug must reach its site of action in sufficient concentration. The concentration at the site of action is a function of the following:
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route of administration
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amount administered
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extent and rate of absorption at the administration site
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distribution and binding of the drug in tissues
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movement by bulk flow in circulating fluids
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transport between body compartments
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biotransformation
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excretion
Pharmacokinetics and dose together determine bioavailability, or concentration of the active drug at the therapeutic site.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 2 - Fundamentals and Principles of Ophthalmology. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.