Dose determination using pharmacokinetics

摘要

"What is the dose rate I should use for amitriptyline for behavior modification in a horse?" The common reference textbooks do not list doses for this drug in this species for this purpose. Therefore, to answer this question requires two separate applications of pharmacokinetic (PK) knowledge. First, since there is no existing knowledge of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of amitriptyline in the horse these data for other species must be sought. This existing knowledge can then be used for interspecies extrapolation and a starting point for dosing can be estimated. Dosing of the individual horse needing treatment can then begin, with careful monitoring. Second, in order to conduct a well-designed dose titration study, we must first know the PKs of amitriptyline in the horse. We must use the existing knowledge from other species to design a PK trial.