A drug has CL = 10 L/h and t1/2 = 3 h. Calculate Vd.

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Multiple Choice

A drug has CL = 10 L/h and t1/2 = 3 h. Calculate Vd.

Explanation:
This question hinges on the relationship between half-life, clearance, and volume of distribution for a drug with first‑order elimination. The key equation is t1/2 = 0.693 × Vd / CL. Solve for Vd: Vd = (t1/2 × CL) / 0.693. Plugging in CL = 10 L/h and t1/2 = 3 h gives Vd = (3 × 10) / 0.693 ≈ 30 / 0.693 ≈ 43.3 L. So the volume of distribution is about 43 liters. A Vd around 43 L indicates the drug distributes beyond plasma into body fluids and tissues, roughly corresponding to total body water in a typical adult.

This question hinges on the relationship between half-life, clearance, and volume of distribution for a drug with first‑order elimination. The key equation is t1/2 = 0.693 × Vd / CL. Solve for Vd: Vd = (t1/2 × CL) / 0.693. Plugging in CL = 10 L/h and t1/2 = 3 h gives Vd = (3 × 10) / 0.693 ≈ 30 / 0.693 ≈ 43.3 L. So the volume of distribution is about 43 liters. A Vd around 43 L indicates the drug distributes beyond plasma into body fluids and tissues, roughly corresponding to total body water in a typical adult.

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