What is the process called when a drug in a higher concentration solution passes through a permeable membrane to a lower concentration solution?

The process whereby a drug or any solute in a higher concentration solution passes through a permeable membrane to reach a lower concentration solution is known as osmosis. Osmosis specifically refers to the movement of solvent molecules, typically water, through a selectively permeable membrane. This movement occurs from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, aiming to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.

In the context of pharmacy, understanding osmosis is crucial as it applies to various drug delivery systems and biological processes, including how substances are absorbed in the body. Osmosis helps to explain how fluids can move between different compartments in the body, affecting drug distribution, effectiveness, and how the body metabolizes substances.

The other terms listed do not describe this specific process. HEPA refers to High-Efficiency Particulate Air, which relates to air filtration rather than solute movement. Dialysis involves the separation of particles in a solution through a semi-permeable membrane but typically refers to the removal of waste products from the blood in medical treatments. Pyrogenic relates to substances that cause fever, often in the context of sterile compounds but is unrelated to concentration gradients or membrane permeability.