When can the infusion period be safely ignored in the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs in humans?
We describe a simple and rapid method to determine the amount by which the area under the curve (AUC) is underestimated when a drug is given by i.v. infusion, but the infusion period is ignored and the post-infusion data are analysed as if they derive from a bolus injection. Charts are provided that allow the investigator to determine the approximate underestimation for drugs following the one- and two-compartment models, and hence to decide whether it is acceptable to ignore the infusion period in a given case (e.g., underestimation less than 5% or 10%). Equations are also provided that allow the exact underestimation to be calculated, together with the true value of the AUC.
Freedman
L S
LS
MRC Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapeutics Unit, MRC Centre, Cambridge, England.
Workman
P
P
D000465:Algorithms; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002330:Carmustine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D017341:Etanidazole; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008954:Models, Biological; D009593:Nitroimidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013997:Time Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009593:Nitroimidazoles; D017341:Etanidazole; C033815:pimonidazole; D002330:Carmustine