In medical terminology, what refers to the act of the body using drug molecules?

The term that describes the act of the body utilizing drug molecules is metabolism. Metabolism encompasses the biochemical processes that occur within the body to convert drugs into active or inactive forms, ultimately influencing their efficacy and elimination. This includes processes such as biotransformation, where the drug is chemically altered, typically in the liver.

Understanding metabolism is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it affects how medications work and how long they remain active in the system. Factors such as age, liver function, and genetics can all impact the metabolic rate of drugs, which is essential knowledge for the safe and effective administration of medications in patient care.

The other options refer to different stages of pharmacokinetics: administration relates to how a drug is given to a patient; absorption refers to how a drug enters the bloodstream; and distribution concerns how a drug is dispersed throughout the body's tissues. Metabolism is the specific process that involves the body's use of drug molecules, making it the correct choice.