Numeric Problems Involving First-Order Processes
Type 1
Assuming a drug is eliminated from plasma through a first order linear process and given the rate constant or half-life and the initial concentration of a drug in plasma, calculate the concentration at some time in the future.
Example 1: A penicillin solution containing 300 units/ml has a half-life of 8 days in plasma. What will the concentration be in 7 days?
Assuming a drug is eliminated from plasma through a first order linear process and given the half-life or rate constant and the initial concentration of a drug in plasma, calculate the time required to reach a specified lower concentration.
Example 2: A penicillin solution has a half-life of 6 days. How long will it take for the concentration to drop to 70% of the initial concentration?
Assuming a drug is eliminated from plasma through a first order process and given an initial concentration and the concentration of a drug in plasma after a specified elapsed time, calculate the rate constant or half-life.
Example 3: A penicillin solution has an initial potency of 90mg/6ml. After 1 month in a cold room, the concentration is found to be 80mg/6ml. What is the half-life of the penicillin solution under the storage conditions?
B.6
