Pharmacokinetic Parameters Relevant to Recovery from Opioids

Elizabeth Youngs, Steven L. Shafer

Anesthesiology · 1994 · 76 citations · 0 references

DOIFull text

Open access

Abstract

This study proposes qualitative guidelines for pharmacokinetic properties desirable in anesthetic drugs. If a rapid decrease in plasma concentration is desired after an infusion, it is always beneficial to have a small V1 and a large Cl1. For infusions of short duration, after which only a small decrease in plasma concentration is required, it is beneficial to have a larger V2, V3, Cl2, and Cl3. For infusions of longer duration, after which a large decrease in plasma concentration is desired, it is beneficial to have a smaller V2, V3, Cl2, and Cl3. These proposals may be beneficial for planning clinical trials of new drugs.