Compartmental mean residence time in a mammillary model with an effect compartment after intravenous or oral administration.

A general estimation of mean residence time (MRT) in an effect compartment E, associated with a linear mammillary n-compartment model is presented: elimination takes place from the central and the effect compartments. Even though no sample is available from E, the MRT of the drug in this compartment can be estimated after intravenous or oral administration. Furthermore, the effect of MRT is independent of the route of administration. Also, with no new calculation, the method provides the area under the amount-time curve in compartment E.