The simulation of the influence of two-compartment model parameters on the plasma drug concentration and drug effect

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics using a computer simulation. Using MATLAB software, the simulations illustrated how the plasma drug concentration and drug effect of a two-compartment model vary with the three parameters of the absorption rate constant (k_a), the elimination rate constant (k₁₀) and dose (Do) in three-dimensional diagrams. It was shown that the peak plasma concentration increases with the increase of k_a, and Do and the decrease of k₁₀. The greater k_a, and k₁₀ the smaller the time required to reach this peak (T_max). However, the dose Do does not influence T_max. The influences of parameters on the drug effect are more complex than that of concentration. Results demonstrate that the influence of parameters on the plasma drug concentration and drug effect can be clearly observed during the process of simulation. Computer simulation technology, which can be used to simulate and predict individual concentration characteristics and effects, is of value to new drug clinical research.