Two-compartment distribution model description

Two-compartment distribution model description

• A. Involves a single, uniform distribution space
• B. Drug is given into the central compartment, then distributes to the peripheral, then returns to the central compartment for clearance
• C. Distribution to tissues occurs between central and peripheral compartments with a return to central for clearance
• D. There is no distribution phase

Answer: (C)

In a two-compartment model, the body is viewed as a central compartment (blood and well-perfused tissues) and a peripheral compartment (less perfused tissues). The drug rapidly shuttles back and forth between these two compartments, creating a distinct distribution phase as it moves between them. Elimination, or clearance, occurs from the central compartment, so the drug must return to central to be cleared after distributing to the tissues. This description—distribution occurring between central and peripheral compartments with a return to central for clearance—best captures the essential idea of the two-compartment model.

In a two-compartment model, the body is viewed as a central compartment (blood and well-perfused tissues) and a peripheral compartment (less perfused tissues). The drug rapidly shuttles back and forth between these two compartments, creating a distinct distribution phase as it moves between them. Elimination, or clearance, occurs from the central compartment, so the drug must return to central to be cleared after distributing to the tissues. This description—distribution occurring between central and peripheral compartments with a return to central for clearance—best captures the essential idea of the two-compartment model.