SUMMARY

This chapter reviewed general pharmacology by examining the basic principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and sources of pharmacologic variability. Careful consideration of these principles should permit the anesthesiologist to understand drug movement from the site of administration through various body compartments to the site of action and the mechanisms by which drugs act on receptors to bring about the desired clinical effect. Many factors may alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes by which drugs exert their effects, including genetics, age, disease, and concurrent drug therapy. Understanding basic pharmacologic processes and how they may be altered in individuals should facilitate drug titration for each patient. There is a biologic basis for finding just the right drug, in just the right dose, to provide safe and effective care of the perioperative patient.