Duration of Drug Action

Abstract

Summary

The intertwining of temporal and intensity features of drug effects and the necessity of its consideration in their quantitation are demonstrated by two examples: 1. “Duration of effect” requires reference to an endpoint of intensity of effect; it is then appropriately determined by “median duration” and suitable confidence limits. 2. The customary “median effective dose” is meaningless as a measure of potency unless determined at the time of peak effect; thus, determination of “median peak time” and its confidence limits is the prerequisite of ED₅₀ determinations.