Drug distribution 2026-11-05
Drug distribution is movement of a drug between blood and other body compartments. Perfusion, membrane permeability, tissue binding and plasma-protein binding jointly affect it. The apparent distribution volume is
where is the amount in the body and the plasma concentration. If mg and mg/L, L. [ref]
The result is a proportionality quantity, not an anatomical cavity that must contain that many litres. Extensive tissue binding can lower and make large. A rapid fall in plasma concentration immediately after administration can therefore reflect distribution as well as drug elimination; distinguishing them requires a model and a suitable sampling schedule.