Problem

( Pharmacokinetics) Tarzlon is a liquid antibiotic that is taken orally to treat infection...

( Pharmacokinetics) Tarzlon is a liquid antibiotic that is taken orally to treat infections of the spleen. It is effective only if it can maintain a concentration in the bloodstream (based on volume of body fluid) above 0.4 mg per dm3 of body fluid. Ideally, a concentration of 1.0 mg/dm3 in the blood would like to be realized. However, if the concentration in the blood exceeds 1.5 mg/dm3,  harmful side effects can occur. Once the Tarzlon reaches the stomach, it can proceed in two pathways, both of which are first order: (1) It can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach walls; (2) it can pass out through the gastrointestinal tract and not be absorbed into the blood. Both these pro­cesses are first order in Tarzlon concentration in the stomach. Once in the bloodstream, Tarzlon attacks bacterial cells and is subsequently degraded by a zero-order process. Tarzlon can also be removed from the blood and excreted in urine through a first-order process within the kidneys. In the stomach: Absorption into blood  k, = 0.1 5 lr1

Elimination through gastrointestine  k2 = 0.6 lr1

In the bloodstream:

Degradation of Tarzlon  /,-, = (). I mg/dm3 ■ h

Elimination through urine  ft. = 0.2 lr1

(a) Plot the concentration of Tarzlon in the blood as a function of time when 1 dose (i.e., one liquid capsule) of Tarzlon is taken.

(b) How should the Tarzlon be administered (dosage and frequency) over a 48-h period to be most effective?

(c) Comment on the dose concentrations and potential hazards.

(d) How would your answers change if the drug were taken on a full or empty stomach?

One dose of Tarzlon is 250 mg in liquid form: Volume of body fluid = 40 dm3

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Solutions For Problems in Chapter 6