Karber Method
- Experimental method that quantifies how much of a given dose reaches the target site by administering a known quantity and measuring absorption.
- Applied to different administration routes (e.g., oral, intravenous) to compute bioavailability and compare formulations.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”The Karber method is a technique used in pharmacology to determine the bioavailability of a drug in a biological system. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a drug that is able to reach its target site of action in the body and produce a therapeutic effect. The Karber method involves administering a known quantity of a drug to a test subject and measuring the amount of the drug that is absorbed and reaches its target site in the body.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Using the Karber method, a predetermined dose of a drug is given to a test subject. Over a monitoring period, the portion of that dose that is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the drug’s target site is measured. The bioavailability is calculated by dividing the amount of drug absorbed by the total amount administered. The method can be used across administration routes and formulations to assess how much active drug becomes available at its site of action.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Oral medications
Section titled “Oral medications”A known quantity of the medication is given to the test subject as a pill or capsule. The subject is monitored over time to determine how much of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches its target site. Bioavailability is calculated by dividing the absorbed amount by the total amount administered.
Intravenous medications
Section titled “Intravenous medications”A known quantity of the medication is administered via intravenous injection. The subject is monitored over time to determine how much of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches its target site. Bioavailability is calculated by dividing the absorbed amount by the total amount administered.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”- Optimizing dose and route of administration to maximize therapeutic effect.
- Comparing bioavailability between different formulations of a medication, such as generic and brand-name versions.
- Informing steps in the drug development process to ensure effective and safe medications.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Pharmacology
- Bioavailability
- Oral administration
- Intravenous administration
- Formulation (generic vs brand-name)