The study and clinical application of the rate and extent to which a substance, typically a hormone preparation dissolved in an oil vehicle, is absorbed from the muscle tissue into the systemic circulation following an intramuscular injection. This parameter is critical for predicting the resulting serum concentration profile and determining optimal dosing frequency. It is a key element of pharmacokinetics in hormone therapy. Understanding these kinetics is vital for maintaining stable therapeutic levels.
Origin
The term originates from the field of pharmacokinetics, specifically focusing on the absorption phase of drug disposition after parenteral administration. The “kinetics” refers to the movement and change in concentration over time. This delivery method is chosen for many long-acting hormone esters due to the depot effect created in the muscle. The duration of action is directly related to the ester chain length.
Mechanism
Following injection, the hormone ester is slowly released from the muscle depot into the bloodstream, where enzymes cleave the ester chain, liberating the active, unconjugated hormone. The rate of this release is governed by the oil’s viscosity and the ester chain length of the hormone molecule. Clinical management requires precise calculation of the injection volume and frequency to maintain stable therapeutic hormone levels. Minimizing peak-and-trough fluctuations is a primary objective.
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