MICROCOMPUTER-BASED PROGRAMS FOR PHARMACOKINETIC SIMULATIONS

A computer software package has been developed to simulate drug concen tration-time profiles based on differential equations that describe 1, 2 and 3 compartment body models (CBM) with linear or nonlinear elimin ation. Since drug concentration-time data evaluation is an integral pa rt of pharmacokinetics, simulation of the corresponding drug concentra tion-time profile is a valuable tool to understand the interplay of va rious pharmacokinetic parameters. Beginning pharmacokinetics students as well as researchers benefit from such simulation programs. The user controls graphing specifications including axes labels, axes scales a nd values. Simulations are performed based on the user assigned pharma cokinetic parameters such as central volume of distribution, eliminati on rate constant, absorption rate constant, dosing regimens, and if ap plicable, compartmental transfer rate constants. High resolution graph ic capabilities allow generation of concentration or amount of drug ve rsus time profile from any compartment on either a cartesian or semilo garithmic plot. Parameters and dosing regimens can be changed after ea ch dose, enabling users to evaluate the relationship between pharmacok inetic variables and their impact on drug concentrations in the body. Model equations can also be modified to meet individual needs. The pro grams are flexible and user-friendly. Simulations ranging from a simpl e 1CBM to the complex 3CBM employing various drug input and eliminatio n functions can be performed using this software. The completeness and versatility of this software package provides a useful educational to ol in undergraduate pharmacokinetics courses as well as graduate and r esearch settings.