Posted by Elizabeth on April 5, 2002, at 8:52:24
In reply to Re: FACHAD:Thanks, great stuff, one teeny question: » Janelle, posted by fachad on April 4, 2002, at 22:04:53
> I think after 5 half lives have elapsed without any more doses the drug is considered effectively gone.
After 5 half-lives, there's 2^-5 = 1/32 = about 3% of the original amount left. My understanding is that after 7 half-lives the drug is considered to be effectively "gone" (at that point, less than 1% remains).
Of course, this depends on the amount taken in the first place. The elimination half-life also can differ depending on whether you've been taking the drug regularly, or just a single dose.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:101843
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/101958.html