Current models in pharmacokinetics: applications in veterinary pharmacology

Major advances in developing models for pharmacokinetic studies have been made in recent years, and different approaches can now be employed. These include the use of (1) compartmental models, (2) non-compartmental models, (3) physiological models, (4) population pharmacokinetic models, and (5) pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models. Each of these approaches has both advantages and disadvantages. The important question of which of these is 'ideal' in veterinary pharmacokinetics has no simple answer. The selection and application of any one approach would depend on a number of factors, such as (1) the purpose of the study, (2) physicochemical properties and actions of the drug, (3) specificity and sensitivity of the analytical methodology, (4) species of the animal, and (5) availability of funds. This paper reviews the models available for pharmacokinetic studies and indicates their possible application in veterinary pharmacology.