Question

For a drug following linear pharmacokinetics, what would be the change in \( t_{\max} \) if the oral dose of the drug is doubled?

• A. \( t_{\max} \text{ remains unchanged} \)
• B. \( t_{\max} \text{ doubled} \)
• C. \( t_{\max} \text{ decreased to half} \)
• D. \( \text{Cannot be predicted} \)

Hint:

In linear pharmacokinetics, drug absorption and elimination follow first-order kinetics, making \( t_{\max} \) dose-independent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

For drugs following linear pharmacokinetics, \( t_{\max} \) (the time to reach maximum plasma concentration) is independent of dose. It is primarily governed by absorption and elimination rates rather than drug concentration. Thus, doubling the dose does not affect \( t_{\max} \), though \( C_{\max} \) (peak concentration) may increase proportionally.