Drug Distribution · Pharmacology

In the process of 'Redistribution', why does Thiopental have a very short duration of action following a single bolus injection?

  1. It is almost instantly metabolized and completely cleared by the liver enzymes
  2. It is rapidly excreted by the lungs
  3. It is neutralized by plasma enzymes
  4. It moves from the brain into less-perfused tissues such as muscle and fat
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Correct answer: It moves from the brain into less-perfused tissues such as muscle and fat

Redistribution occurs when a highly lipid-soluble drug initially enters a highly perfused organ (the brain) and then slowly diffuses back into the blood to be taken up by bulky, less perfused tissues like skeletal muscle. This terminates its central effect before metabolism occurs.

Difficulty: Medium Question 8 of 20

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