Which term refers to the study of how the body affects a drug?

The correct answer is pharmacokinetics, which is the study of how the body affects a drug after it has been administered. This includes the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (often abbreviated as ADME). Understanding pharmacokinetics is critical for determining dosage, timing, and the overall effectiveness of medications, as it provides insight into how quickly and efficiently a drug acts within the body and how it is eliminated.

Pharmacodynamics, on the other hand, refers to how the drug affects the body, including the physiological effects and mechanisms of action. Pharmacology is a broader field that combines both pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics while studying drugs and their actions. Pharmacy practice encompasses the various activities involved in the preparation and dispensing of medications, as well as patient care, and is not strictly focused on the interactions between body processes and drugs. Thus, pharmacokinetics specifically addresses the question of how the body impacts a drug's journey within it.