A comparison is made for the bioavailability of a particular drug. It is given as a single oral dose and as a single iv dose. When comparing the AUC (Area under Curve) for each of these delivery systems, which of the following results is possible?
I. AUC(iv) < AUC(po)
II. AUC(iv) > AUC(po)
III. AUC(iv) = AUC(po)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The AUC is a measurement of the bioavailability of a drug. A drug administered intravenously has - by definition - an AUC=1. This is a maximum value. Oral preparations may have equal to or less than the same AUC as an intravenously delivered drug, but they can never have a greater AUC.

A Comparison Is Made for the Bioavailability of a Particular