Transl Clin Pharmacol.  2016 Jun;24(2):74-77. 10.12793/tcp.2016.24.2.74.

Volume of Distribution

• Holford N
• Yim DS

• KMID: 2290472
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12793/tcp.2016.24.2.74

Abstract

This tutorial deals with basic concepts of volume of distribution, the second most important parameter in pharmacokinetics but often challenging for students in clinical pharmacology. Its relationships with dose, concentration and amount in the body are discussed using a physical model and examples of commonly used drugs, as well as its physiological aspects pertaining to the physical volume of differing organs. Finally, application of volume of distribution to the calculation of loading dose and half-life is used to show how it is essential in pharmacotherapy and clinical pharmacology.

Keyword

volume; pharmacokinetics; clinical pharmacology

MeSH Terms

Drug Therapy
Half-Life
Humans
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacology, Clinical

Figure

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  Figure 1. The definition of volume of distribution

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  Figure 2. The bathtub model of volume of distribution.

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  Figure 3. The bathtub with sponge model of volume of distribution.

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  Figure 4. The bathtub with red herring model of volume of distribution.

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  Figure 5. The one compartment model of distribution.

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  Figure 6. The two compartment model of distribution.

Reference

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