By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Pharmacology MentorPharmacology MentorPharmacology Mentor
  • Home
  • Bookmarks
  • Pages
    • Terms and conditions
    • Submit a Topic or Chapter
    • Ask for a topic
    • Copyright Statement
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • About
  • Quizzes
  • Blog
  • Chapters
    • General
    • CVS
    • Antimicrobial
    • Neuropharmacology
    • ANS
    • PNS
    • GI
    • Endocrine
    • Hematology
    • miscellaneous
Search
  • Advertise
© 2024 Pharmacology Mentor. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: First-Order vs. Zero-Order Kinetics: What You Need to Know
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Pharmacology MentorPharmacology Mentor
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Bookmarks
  • Terms and conditions
  • Submit a Topic or Chapter
  • Ask for a topic
  • Copyright Statement
  • Contact
  • Quizzes
  • About
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2024 Pharmacology Mentor. All Rights Reserved.
GeneralPharmacology

First-Order vs. Zero-Order Kinetics: What You Need to Know

Last updated: 2023/09/03 at 12:27 AM
Pharmacology Mentor
2 Min Read
first-order vs zero-order kinetics
#first-order vs zero-order kinetics

Zero-Order Kinetics

Definition:

In zero-order kinetics, the rate of drug elimination is constant and does not depend on the drug concentration. This is often seen with drugs that saturate the body’s ability to metabolize or eliminate them.

Equation:

The rate equation for zero-order kinetics is:

\text{Rate} = k

Where (k) is the rate constant.

Clinical Importance:

Zero-order kinetics is significant in drugs, where overdosing can be dangerous. The body cannot quickly eliminate these drugs at higher concentrations, leading to potential toxicity.

Drug Examples:

  • Ethanol
  • Aspirin at high doses
  • Phenytoin

Calculations:

To find the rate constant (k), you can rearrange the integrated rate equation:

k = \frac{[A]_0 - [A]}{t}

Graphical Representation:

Refer to this page for further reading, graphs, and example calculations.


First-Order Kinetics

Definition:

In first-order kinetics, the rate of drug elimination is directly proportional to the drug concentration. This is the most common type of kinetics for drug elimination.

Equation:

The rate equation for first-order kinetics is:

 \text{Rate} = k[A]

Where (k) is the rate constant and ( [A] ) is the drug concentration.

Clinical Importance:

First-order kinetics allows for easier dose adjustments and is less likely to result in toxicity. The body can more efficiently eliminate the drug when its concentration is high.

Drug Examples:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Caffeine
  • Amoxicillin

Calculations:

To find the rate constant (k), you can rearrange the integrated rate equation:

k = \frac{\ln[A]_0 - \ln[A]}{t}

Graphical Representation:

Refer to this page for further reading, graphs, and example calculations.


Understanding these kinetics is crucial for clinicians for effective drug dosing and minimizing side effects. Combining the knowledge of zero-order and first-order kinetics can help create a more comprehensive treatment plan, especially when multiple drugs are involved.

[ruby_related total=5 layout=5]

TAGGED: clinical pharmacokinetics, first-order, kinetics, Pharmacokinetics, zero-order
[ruby_static_newsletter]
Previous Article prolongation of drug action Prolongation of Drug Action: A Complete Overview
Next Article loop diuretics Pharmacology of Loop Diuretics
1 Review 1 Review
  • Kinetics of Elimination | Pharmacology Mentor says:

    […] First-Order vs. Zero-Order Kinetics […]

    Reply

Leave a review Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please select a rating!

Categories

  • ANS26
  • Antimicrobial35
  • Clinical Pharmacology4
  • CVS31
  • Endocrine21
  • Featured15
  • General47
  • GI15
  • Hematology13
  • miscellaneous28
  • Neuropharmacology38
  • Pharmacology261
  • PNS2
  • Reproductive System10
  • Respiratory System7

Tags

Adverse effects Antibiotics Antiplatelet Drugs Aspirin Benzodiazepines beta-blockers Bioavailability Bipolar disorder calcium channel blockers Carbamazepine Clinical trials contraindications Coronary artery disease Dosage DRC drug absorption Drug Administration Drug classification drug design Drug development Drug discovery Drug Dosage Drug efficacy Drug formulation Drug interactions Drug metabolism Drug regulation Drugs Drug safety Generic drugs Headache Hypertension mechanism of action Medication Myocardial infarction Neurotransmitters Norepinephrine Pharmacodynamics Pharmacokinetics Pharmacological actions Pharmacology Pharmacovigilance Side effects Therapeutic uses Treatment
//

Pharmacology Mentor is dedicated to serving as a useful resource for as many different types of users as possible, including students, researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in understanding pharmacology.

Quick Link

  • Terms and conditions
  • Copyright Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Ask for a topic
  • Submit a Topic or Chapter
  • Contact

Top Categories

  • Pharmacology
  • Antimicrobial
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Endocrine
  • Reproductive System
  • miscellaneous

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

[mc4wp_form id=”8909″]

Pharmacology MentorPharmacology Mentor
Follow US
© 2024 Pharmacology Mentor. All Rights Reserved.
Pharmacology Mentor
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?