How is the term "Systemic" best defined in relation to medication effects?

The term "Systemic" in the context of medication effects refers to the impact that a medication has on the entire body rather than being limited to a specific area or organ. When a medication is administered systemically, it typically enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body, allowing it to exert its therapeutic effects on multiple organ systems and tissues. This is essential for medications that need to address broader physiological conditions, such as infections, chronic diseases, or systemic inflammation.

In contrast, other definitions do not encapsulate the full broad-reaching impact of the term. For instance, medications affecting only the local area of application are considered topical, and those impacting only specific organs would not be described as systemic, which implies a wider effect. Medications that impact only the digestive system would be limited in scope and not categorized as systemic, as this would imply a narrow focus rather than a comprehensive one across the body.