Introduction To Pharmacokinetics

Steady State, Models And Other Terminology

STEADY STATE

When a person takes a drug, drug is absorbed and then eliminated from the system. At the start, more drug will be taken INTO the body than is eliminated FROM the body.

As the person continues to take the drug, there will reach a time when the amount of drug taken into the body is roughly the same as the amount of the drug being eliminated from the body.

At this time, the system is said to be in steady state. Generally, it takes about five half-lives to reach steady state.



How does steady state appear on a graph - multiple IV bolus doses?