Automated pharmacokinetic analysis: experiences of a user.

Two curve-stripping and three nonlinear regression computer programs currently in use for automated pharmacokinetic analysis were tested alone and in combination on their suitability to solve a number of pharmacokinetic problems. The five programs, NONLIN, NONLINEAR, CFT3, ESTRIP, and RUGFIT (all non-commercial and readily available from the particular authors), were compared on these features: reliability, robustness, user convenience, and availability on macro or micro computers. The results show that if reliability and robustness are considered only, a combination of the curve-stripping program ESTRIP with the nonlinear regression program CFT3 operates better than the other combinations. This combination is even more attractive if, in addition, user convenience and availability on micro computers are taken into account.