ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

ADME

ADME stands for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. It is a way to describe the journey of a medicine or drug once it enters your body.

Absorption is when the medicine gets into your bloodstream. This can happen in different ways like swallowing a pill, or putting on a skin patch.

Distribution is when the medicine travels through your body to where it is needed. Sometimes the medicine is carried in your blood, and sometimes it is carried by different parts of your body like fat or muscle.

Metabolism is when your body breaks down the medicine. This can happen in different ways, like enzymes in your liver or kidneys.

Excretion is when your body removes the medicine or drug. This can happen in different ways too, like through your urine, sweat, or feces.

So, ADME is a way of understanding what happens to a medicine or drug when you take it. It helps doctors and researchers understand how long a medicine will last in your body, how it should be taken, and what side effects might happen.