After oral administration, olanzapine is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 5 to 8 hours. It has a high bioavailability of roughly 60%, with meals slightly slowing absorption. Olanzapine binds to plasma proteins and distributes throughout the body, including passing the blood-brain barrier to affect the central nervous system. Metabolism occurs largely in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system, specifically CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 enzymes, producing a variety of metabolites, including the active metabolite N-desmethylolanzapine. Then, elimination is predominantly accomplished through hepatic metabolism and subsequent renal excretion of metabolites, with a half-life of around 30 hours.Patients with hepatic or renal impairment may require dosage changes due to changed pharmacokinetics.