Jack Lotsof1. 1. Consultant, Buffalo, New York, USA. lotsof@calspan.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To correct a defect in widely utilised pharmacokinetic models of alcohol absorption into the blood. METHODS: The implications of the defect are briefly described. A highly simplified model that corrects this defect is then proposed, and the resulting differential equation describing blood-alcohol concentration from ingestion to elimination is derived. The equation is solved in closed form. RESULTS: The improved model assumes that diffusion of alcohol across the interface between the stomach/intestine complex and the remaining body fluids (including blood plasma) is linearly proportional to the difference in alcohol concentration across the interface. The resulting equation is tested against experimental data with excellent agreement. CONCLUSIONS: This model enables inferences to be drawn that are not possible with the more conventional model.
OBJECTIVE: To correct a defect in widely utilised pharmacokinetic models of alcohol absorption into the blood. METHODS: The implications of the defect are briefly described. A highly simplified model that corrects this defect is then proposed, and the resulting differential equation describing blood-alcohol concentration from ingestion to elimination is derived. The equation is solved in closed form. RESULTS: The improved model assumes that diffusion of alcohol across the interface between the stomach/intestine complex and the remaining body fluids (including blood plasma) is linearly proportional to the difference in alcohol concentration across the interface. The resulting equation is tested against experimental data with excellent agreement. CONCLUSIONS: This model enables inferences to be drawn that are not possible with the more conventional model.