The volume of distribution (Vd) is a pharmacokinetic parameter representing an individual

drug’s propensity to either remain in the plasma or redistribute to other tissue compartments. By
definition, Vd is a proportionality constant that relates the total amount of drug in the body to the
plasma concentration of the drug at a given time.[1][2][3] The following equation can represent
Vd:
Volume of Distribution (L) = Amount of drug in the body (mg) / Plasma concentration of drug
(mg/L)
Based on the above equation:
 A drug with a high Vd has a propensity to leave the plasma and enter the extravascular
compartments of the body, meaning that a higher dose of a drug is required to achieve a
given plasma concentration. (High Vd -> More distribution to other tissue)
 Conversely, a drug with a low Vd has a propensity to remain in the plasma meaning
a lower dose of a drug is required to achieve a given plasma concentration. (Low Vd ->
Less distribution to other tissue)
“central” compartment, which is composed of the plasma, highly perfused organs (liver,
kidneys, etc.) and other tissues where drug distribution is instantaneous.

As vd of fluoxetine is very high it will retain more in the body and will be more
distributed in the tissues as a result its plasma concentration will be low.
Half-life and Volume of Distribution
Half-life (t1/2) refers to the time required for plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by
50%. t1/2 is dependent on the rate constant (k), which is related to Vd & clearance 
Only the drug located in the central compartment can be eliminated from the body because the process
of elimination is primarily carried out by the liver and kidneys. Drugs with a high Vd will have a large
fraction of drug remaining outside of the central compartment.

Therefore, at a constant rate of clearance, a drug with a high Vd will have a longer elimination half-

life than a drug with lower Vd. 

Ques k hisab sy jo Vd hy drug ka wo bht ziada hy mtlb drug body mai bht ziada
distribute hogi. Ziada tissues mai hogi aur plasma ya blood mai kam.
Vd ziada hy to half life b ziada hy drug ki mtlb drug ziada dair rahay gi body mai jo
unho ny bataya b hoa hy 53 hours. To body ziada dair tk reh rahi hy 53 hours 2 din
sy b ziada tym hy to iska mtlb hy drug ki elimination kam hogi