What does the term "absorption" refer to in the context of medication?

The term "absorption" in the context of medication refers specifically to the process by which a drug moves from the site of administration, such as the stomach or intestines, into the bloodstream. This process is crucial because it determines how quickly and effectively the medication becomes available for action throughout the body.

When a person takes medication orally, for instance, the drug must pass through the digestive system before it can enter the bloodstream. Factors such as the formulation of the drug, the presence of food, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract can all influence the rate and extent of absorption. Understanding absorption is essential for evaluating how different medications work and for ensuring they achieve their intended effects in a timely manner.

The other concepts mentioned do not align with the definition of absorption. Elimination refers to how the body gets rid of medication, transformation relates to how the medication is metabolized into active substances, and measurement of medication effectiveness pertains to evaluating how well a medication works, rather than the process by which it enters the bloodstream.