What is defined by the study of how drugs affect the body?

The study of how drugs affect the body is referred to as pharmacodynamics. This branch of pharmacology focuses on the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on various biological systems, including how drugs interact with their targets within the body, the mechanisms of action, and the resulting therapeutic effects or side effects. This encompasses understanding factors such as drug potency, efficacy, and the relationship between drug concentration and effect.

Pharmacokinetics, on the other hand, deals with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, essentially describing how the body processes a drug. Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of drugs and other substances, specifically focusing on toxicity and poison interactions, while pharmaceutical chemistry involves the chemical aspects of drug formulation and the development of new drugs.