title: Maintenance-dose prediction based on a single determination of concentration: general applicability to two-compartment drugs with reference to lithium.
abstract: A general approach to the selection of the maintenance dose (Dm) required to give a desired steady-state concentration of drug based on a single determination of concentration after a test dose (C*) is extended to drugs with two-compartment pharmacokinetic characteristics. Using the equation developed, the value of the proportionality factor relating 1/Dm to C was found to be within 3.2% of the value calculated from a published nomogram for lithium. The inherent error is shown to be a function of the value of the hybrid rate constants alpha and beta, as well as the value of an intercompartmental transfer rate constant, k21, in an individual.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D008954:Models, Biological; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium