Drug Distribution · Pharmacology

What happens to the Volume of Distribution (Vd) of a drug in a patient with severe edema or ascites?

  1. Vd decreases
  2. Vd remains unchanged
  3. Vd increases
  4. Vd becomes zero
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Vd increases

For water-soluble drugs, an increase in extracellular fluid volume (like edema) provides a larger space for the drug to distribute into. This increases the Vd, often requiring a higher loading dose to achieve therapeutic levels.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 20

Practice all 20 Drug Distribution questions

Keep practicing

More Drug Distribution questions