The determination of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)
is the method most commonly used by regulatory agencies to assess ext
ent of drug absorption after single-dose administration of oral produc
ts. Using simulations, several approaches toward measuring the actual
area, in whole or part, were tested. In addition, the performance of t
he peak concentration (C-max), usually taken as a measure of the rate
of absorption was assessed evaluating extent. Model scenarios for drug
s with typical mean characteristics and statistical distributions were
investigated. Using different kinetic models of disposition, the time
course of the drug concentration in plasma was simulated. Intraindivi
dual and interindividual variability and assay error were modeled usin
g Monte Carlo techniques. The accuracy, precision, and ease of use of
the various measures of extent were evaluated, and statistical power a
nalyses were performed. Among the measures tested, the most reliable w
ere the AUC computed up to the time of the last quantifiable concentra
tion, without extrapolation, and C-max. However, being also sensitive
to rate, C-max as a measure of extent is of limited potential.