CLINICAL PHARMACOKINETICS: A CHALLENGE IN THE TRAINING OF PHARMACISTS IN MEXICO

Ana Luisa Robles-Piedras*, Urias Bautista-Sánchez, Elena Guadalupe Olvera-Hernández, Alejandro Chehue-Romero

Clinical pharmacokinetics is a crucial discipline in pharmaceutical education, as it provides essential knowledge about how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the human body. This understanding is vital for ensuring safe and effective treatments. However, teaching pharmacokinetics presents challenges, especially in Mexico, where students often struggle with its multidisciplinary nature, which integrates chemistry, biology, physiology, and mathematics. Many students find the subject abstract and difficult to relate to clinical practice. A key challenge is helping students transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application, as individual patient factors, such as age, health, and drug interactions, affect drug responses. To address these issues, innovative teaching strategies are needed, including the use of technological tools like interactive simulations and pharmacokinetic modeling software. These tools can help students grasp complex concepts and promote active learning. Despite these challenges, mastering pharmacokinetics becomes a significant professional strength for future pharmacists. It enables them to make critical decisions in clinical settings, optimize drug therapy, and improve patient outcomes. Pharmacists with strong pharmacokinetic skills play a vital role in healthcare teams, ensuring that medications are used safely and effectively, thereby enhancing the overall quality of patient care.