Question

Which of the following is NOT a cause for the drug undergoing nonlinear pharmacokinetics

• A. Enzyme inhibition
• B. Enzyme induction
• C. Saturation of carrier molecules
• D. Saturation of plasma protein binding

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine which option does not cause nonlinear pharmacokinetics, let's explore each option:

1. Enzyme inhibition: Enzyme inhibition can lead to nonlinear pharmacokinetics because it affects the metabolism rate of a drug. When enzymes responsible for drug metabolism are inhibited, the drug concentration can increase disproportionately as the dose increases, leading to nonlinear kinetics.
2. Enzyme induction: This refers to the increased rate of drug metabolism due to enhanced enzyme activity. Generally, enzyme induction leads to faster clearance of the drug, maintaining a linear relationship between dose and drug concentration. Therefore, enzyme induction typically does not cause nonlinear pharmacokinetics.
3. Saturation of carrier molecules: This situation can cause nonlinear pharmacokinetics when transport proteins or active transport mechanisms become saturated. At saturation, small increases in drug dose can lead to significant increases in drug concentration.
4. Saturation of plasma protein binding: When plasma proteins are saturated, unbound drug concentration increases disproportionately with dosage, leading to nonlinear pharmacokinetics.

The correct answer is Enzyme induction, as it is typically associated with linear, not nonlinear, pharmacokinetics.