Pharmacokinetics

The interrelationship of the physical-chemical properties of the drug, and the LADME properties of a drug (liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) will be explained in this course. Drug modelling such as one and two compartment open models will be covered. Effect of route of administration on the drug disposition after IV bolus, IV continuous infusion and oral administrations will be also addressed. In this course, the students will understand the difference between linear and non-linear pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, bioavailability, bioequivalence, and the factors affecting drug elimination (metabolism and excretion). The relationship between drug concentration, effect, and side effects will be explored in this course. Tutorial sessions for problem based learning using case scenarios will be an integral part of this course. The aim of these tutorial sessions is to help students grasp the basic theories and basic skills of pharmacokinetics, and to develop the students' ability to analyze and solve problems. At the end of this course, the student will be able to design and adjust a patient'92s drug dosage regimen to obtain a plasma/serum concentration within a desired therapeutic range.

This course involves clinical applications of pharmacokinetic principles. Emphasis is placed on the identification of actual and theoretical factors that contribute to variabilities in pharmacokinetic parameters and associated pharmacological responses. Design of optimized dosing regiments for patient care utilizing drug monitoring techniques and computer technology will be also covered in this course. Case studies with different patient population and with co-morbidities are utilized whereby students will apply pharmacokinetic concepts in a clinical context and discuss drug dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring. Latest standardized techniques and dosing methods are critically explored, contrasted, and applied to patient-specific dosing scenarios. The student will apply the principles for pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring in decision-making and improvement of patient care.