Distribution

Distribution is a process by which the drug becomes available to the body fluids such as
plasma, interstitial fluids, and intracellular fluids and body tissues.

Primary Purpose of Drug Transport

Allow drug to reach its site of action at specific tissue sites

FORMS OF DRUG INSIDE THE BODY

FREE/ UNBOUND STATE BOUND STATE

 
ACTIVE FORM INACTIVE FORM

 
PLASMA WATER ALBUMINS & GLOBULINS

Site of Administration (Route of Administration)  PLASMA  Site of ACTION

𝟏
Biologic Half Life (t 𝟐)

Biologic half life is the time necessary for the body to eliminate the quantity of the drug
present in the circulation.
𝟏 Time of elimination Dosage Remaining % Left
t𝟐
1 3 325 50
2 6 162.5 25
3 9 81.25 12.5
4 12 40.625 6.25
5 15 20.3125 3.1
6 18 10.15625 1.55

𝟏
Aspirin t – 3 hours
𝟐

Dose of Aspirin – 650 mg

Clinical Significance of Biologic Half Life

Biologic half life helps to determine:

1. Dose interval
2. Time of elimination from the body

Storage Depot (Non – Specific Site)

 Are for transient storage

 It may delay or prevent the action of the drug
 Site of drug loss or storage

Affinity Tissues

 Maybe sites of action or areas of transient storage

 Particular sites:
 Fat
 Bone
 Liver
 Eye
 Muscle

GUANETHIDINE Heart and Skeletal Muscles

QUINACRINE Liver and Skeletal Muscles

TETRACYCLINE Bone and Enamel

THIOPENTAL Adipose Tissue

 Redistribution of a drug from one organ tissue to another can greatly affect its duration
of action.