What is the study of how drugs move through the body called?

The study of how drugs move through the body is referred to as pharmacokinetics. This field focuses on the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of drugs. Understanding pharmacokinetics is crucial for determining the dosing and efficacy of medications, as it helps veterinarians predict how quickly and effectively a drug will act within an animal's system. Knowledge of pharmacokinetics allows for adjustments in treatment protocols to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing potential side effects.

In contrast, toxicology primarily investigates the adverse effects of substances on living organisms. Pharmacodynamics examines the effects of drugs on the body and how they exert their actions at the physiological and cellular levels. Pharmacology is a broader discipline that encompasses both pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, among other areas concerning drugs and their interactions in biological systems.