CC19 – Steady-state concentration

CC19. Steady-state concentration is the concentration of drug in the plasma reached when the rate of drug absorption is equal to the rate of drug elimination following repeated or continuous dosing.

19.1. The time taken to reach steady-state concentration depends on the elimination half-life.

19.2. The plasma concentration achieved at steady state is influenced by the dose and dosing interval: Higher doses and/or more frequent dosing will result in higher steady-state concentrations.

19.3. The steady-state concentration is influenced by drug clearance and the dosing regimen may need to be adjusted for patients with altered clearance (e.g., patients with renal or hepatic disease).

19.4. The steady-state concentration can be reached more rapidly by administration of a loading dose at the start of therapy.