Compartment (pharmacokinetics)

Compartment (pharmacokinetics)

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how a drug moves within the body, and a compartment in pharmacokinetics refers to a defined area of the body where a drug can distribute. The concept of compartments is used to simplify the complex process of drug distribution in the body.

Overview

In pharmacokinetics, the body is often modeled as a series of compartments. These compartments, which are not actual physical locations, represent areas in the body where a drug can distribute. The simplest model is a one-compartment model, where the body is considered as a single unit. More complex models may include multiple compartments, such as a two-compartment model or a three-compartment model.

One-Compartment Model

In a one-compartment model, the body is considered as a single unit. The drug is assumed to distribute evenly throughout this compartment. This model is often used for drugs that distribute quickly and uniformly throughout the body.

Two-Compartment Model

In a two-compartment model, the body is divided into a central compartment and a peripheral compartment. The central compartment usually represents the blood plasma and organs with high blood flow, while the peripheral compartment represents tissues and organs with lower blood flow. This model is often used for drugs that distribute unevenly throughout the body.

Three-Compartment Model

In a three-compartment model, the body is divided into a central compartment, a rapid equilibrium peripheral compartment, and a slow equilibrium peripheral compartment. This model is often used for drugs that have a complex distribution pattern in the body.

Factors Influencing Drug Distribution

Several factors can influence the distribution of a drug in the body, including the drug's lipophilicity, the blood-brain barrier, and the protein binding of the drug.

See Also

• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacology
• Drug metabolism
• Bioavailability

References

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