Unit 4 - Pharm 1 Flashcards
(131 cards)
What does the volume of distribution (Vd) describe?
The relationship between the administered dose of a drug & the plasma concentration that results.
What are the two assumptions made about the volume of distribution (Vd)?
- The drug distributes instantaneously (Full equilibration occurs at time = 0)
- The drug is not subjected to biotransformation or eliminated before it fully distributes
When is a drug assumed to be lipophilic based on its volume of distribution?
When Vd exceeds total body water (>0.6 L/kg or > 42 L).
What is an example of a lipophilic drug?
Propofol.
When is a drug assumed to be hydrophilic based on its volume of distribution?
When Vd is less than total body water (< 0.6 L/kg or < 42 L).
What is an example of a hydrophilic drug?
Rocuronium.
How does a higher volume of distribution (Vd) affect the loading dose?
The higher the Vd, the higher the loading dose that must be given to achieve its effect.
What is the bioavailability of IV medication?
1, since it is directly injected into the bloodstream.
What factors affect volume of distribution (Vd)?
- Drug concentration (Molecular size, ionization, protein binding)
- Patient characteristics (Pregnancy & burns)
What does clearance measure in pharmacokinetics?
The volume of plasma that is cleared of drug per unit time.
Which organs are most important for drug clearance?
- Liver
- Kidney
- Organ independent (Hofman elimination & ester hydrolysis in the plasma)
What is the relationship between clearance (CL) and drug dose?
CL is directly proportional to drug dose, extraction ratio, & blood flow to the target organ.
How does clearance (CL) relate to half-life and drug concentration?
CL is inversely proportional to half-life & drug concentration.
How is steady-state concentration maintained in plasma?
The infusion rate or dose interval must equal the rate of drug clearance by metabolism & elimination.
How many half-times does it generally take to achieve steady-state?
Five half-times.
What does a two compartment model illustrate?
The biphasic decrease of a drug’s plasma concentration after a rapid IV bolus.
What does the alpha phase represent in a two compartment model?
Distribution from the central compartment (the plasma) to the peripheral compartment (the tissues).
What does the beta phase represent in a two compartment model?
Elimination from the central compartment.
What does elimination half-life measure?
The time it takes for 50% of the drug to be eliminated from the body after a rapid IV dose.
What is context-sensitive half-time?
The time required for the plasma concentration to decline by 50% after the infusion is stopped, taking infusion duration into account.
What is ionization in the context of pharmacology?
The process where a molecule gains a (+) or (-) charge, affecting its ability to diffuse through lipid membranes.
What factors determine ionization of a drug?
- The pH of the solution
- The pKa of the drug
What is the pKa of a drug?
The pH where 50% of the drug is ionized, and the other 50% is non-ionized.
How does acidic urine affect drug excretion?
Acidic urine favors reabsorption of acidic drugs and excretion of basic drugs.