Question

In plasma drug concentration versus time graph as shown in the picture, what should be the correct option for the marked place?

(a) Maximum safe concentration

(b) Minimum effective concentration

(c) Therapeutic range

(d) Onset of action

I have been asked this question during a job interview.

This intriguing question originated from Pharmacokinetic topic in chapter Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions & Basic Considerations of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Maximum safe concentration

The explanation is: This graph is plasma drug concentration versus time curve obtained after single oral dosage of a drug. Maximum safe concentration or the minimum toxic concentration is the concentration of drug in plasma above which adverse or unwanted effects are most probably to be occurred. Any concentration of drug above maximum safe concentration will be in the toxic level.