If a drug follows first-order kinetics, approximately how many half-lives are required for the drug to reach 'Steady State' during a constant infusion?
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Correct answer: 4 to 5
Steady state is reached when the rate of drug administration equals the rate of drug elimination. Mathematically, after 4 to 5 half-lives, the drug concentration reaches approximately 94-97% of its ultimate plateau value.
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