Pharmacology is the study of how drugs act on the body. It includes pharmacokinetics, which is what the body does to the drug, and pharmacodynamics, which is what the drug does to the body. Key aspects of pharmacokinetics include absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs in the body. Drugs can have intended therapeutic effects as well as unintended adverse effects. Understanding the mechanisms of drug action and factors affecting drug response are important aspects of pharmacology.