T11: Mixed problems from T1 - T11.

50. Pharmacokinetics 50.1) PK Basic parameters 50.1.2) Clearance

50.1.2.1) Clearance basic concepts Normal 1


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The elimination half life of a drug is 8.35 h. It is administered as an IV bolus to a 158 Kg patient. If the volume of distribution of the drug is 0.74 L/Kg, then calculate the clearance of the drug in this patient's body.


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lb equals 9.704 L/h kg

    We know that, clearance (Cl) is the product of elimination rate constant (K) and volume of distribution (V).

    ` Cl = K × V `.

    From the relationship of `t_{½}=0.693/K`, we can calculate K as `0.693/t_{½}=0.693/(8.35 h)= 0.083 \quad h^{-1}`.

    Also, the total volume of distribution will be the product of volume per Kg body weight and the weight of the patient. Thus,
    ` V = 0.74 \quad L/(Kg) × 158 \quad Kg =116.92 \quad L`.

    Plugging the values in the first equation we get:
    ` Cl = 0.083 \quad h^{-1} × 116.92 \quad L = 9.7 \quad L/h ` Ans