Lag time

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Lag time refers to the delay between a cause and the effect in a system. In the context of pharmacokinetics, lag time is the delay between the administration of a drug and the onset of its effect. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the time it takes for the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream, distributed throughout the body, and reach its site of action.

Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]

Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs move within the body. It involves the analysis of four main stages: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Lag time is a key concept in pharmacokinetics, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of a drug.

Absorption[edit | edit source]

Absorption is the process by which a drug moves from its site of administration into the bloodstream. The rate and extent of absorption can be influenced by factors such as the route of administration, the drug's formulation, and the patient's physiological state. A delay in absorption can contribute to the lag time.

Distribution[edit | edit source]

Distribution refers to the dispersion of a drug throughout the fluids and tissues of the body. The rate of distribution can be affected by factors such as the drug's chemical properties, the blood flow to tissues, and the binding of the drug to plasma proteins and tissue receptors. A delay in distribution can also contribute to the lag time.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

Metabolism is the process by which a drug is chemically transformed in the body, usually into a more water-soluble form that can be excreted. The rate of metabolism can be influenced by factors such as the patient's age, health status, and genetic makeup. A delay in metabolism can further extend the lag time.

Excretion[edit | edit source]

Excretion is the process by which a drug and its metabolites are eliminated from the body, primarily through the urine and feces. The rate of excretion can be affected by factors such as the drug's chemical properties and the patient's renal function. While excretion does not directly contribute to the lag time, a delay in excretion can prolong the duration of a drug's effect.

See also[edit | edit source]


Lag time Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD