Question

Steady state serum drug levels are achieved in about:

a) 5 half-lives
b) 24 hours
c) 2 weeks
d) 48 hours

Answer 1

Steady state serum levels of a drug are typically achieved after about 5 half-lives of the drug.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to pharmacokinetics, specifically the concept of 'steady state' in the context of serum drug levels. The steady state is the point at which the amount of drug being absorbed and distributed equals the amount being eliminated. This balance results in a constant serum concentration of the drug. It is generally achieved after about 5 half-lives of the drug. Therefore, the accurate answer to the student's question is: a) 5 half-lives.

Knowing the half-life of a drug is crucial as it can vary greatly between different drugs. It could range from less than a day to many days or years, and it influences how frequently a drug must be administered to maintain the therapeutic level without causing toxicity.