Linear systems approach to the analysis of an induced drug removal process. Phenobarbital removal by oral activated charcoal

The theory of linear systems analysis is applied to the evaluation of induced drug removal processes. The rate and extent of removal are determined by deconvolution for the case of phenobarbital removal from the systemic circulation by orally administered activated charcoal. The proposed method is model independent in the sense that no specific models of intrinsic or induced pharmacokinetic processes are required, and it is readily adapted to the analysis of most types of induced removal processes (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, etc.). Application of the approach indicates that phenobarbital was removed from the systemic circulation to an extent of 25–53% following multiple oral doses of activated charcoal in healthy human subjects.