PHARMD • PHARMACOKINETICS • 2026–2027
PharmD Pharmacokinetics
2026–2027 Practice Examination | 110 Calculations & Practice Q&A
Original educational resource • Not an official PharmD examination
Instructions and assumptions
Select the single best answer for each question. Use the information and assumptions stated in the
stem. Calculations assume linear, one-compartment pharmacokinetics where indicated. Round only
at the final step; all answer choices are approximate where necessary. Values are hypothetical and
must not be used for patient-specific dosing.
Coverage: loading doses, maintenance dosing, elimination half-life, clearance, AUC, bioavailability,
infusion steady state, concentration decay, elimination rate constants, volume of distribution, and
fraction remaining.
Question 1 | Elimination rate constant
Two post-distribution plasma samples are 8 hours apart. The earlier concentration is 36 mg/L
and the later is 14.287 mg/L. Estimate the first-order elimination rate constant k (h⁻¹).
A. 0.075 h⁻¹
B. 0.095 h⁻¹
C. 0.142 h⁻¹
D. 0.116 h⁻¹
Correct Answer: D. 0.116 h⁻¹
Detailed Rationale: k = ln(C1/C2) / Δt. k = ln(36/14.287) / 8 = 0.1155 h⁻¹.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 0.075 h⁻¹ does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 0.095 h⁻¹ does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 0.142 h⁻¹ does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 2 | Volume of distribution
Immediately after distribution of an IV bolus of 600 mg, the extrapolated initial plasma
concentration is 12.5000 mg/L. Using the exact concentration 600/48 mg/L, calculate apparent
Vd (L).
A. 31.2 L
B. 39.36 L
C. 48 L
D. 68.64 L
Correct Answer: C. 48 L
Detailed Rationale: Vd = dose / C0. Vd = 600 mg / (600/48 mg/L) = 48 L.
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Why other options are incorrect:
A. 31.2 L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 39.36 L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 68.64 L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 3 | Absolute bioavailability
An IV dose of 280 mg yields AUC 24 mg·h/L. An oral dose of 380 mg yields AUC 25.080 mg·h/L.
Calculate absolute oral bioavailability as a percentage.
A. 50.05 %
B. 77 %
C. 93.94 %
D. 110.11 %
Correct Answer: B. 77 %
Detailed Rationale: F = (AUC oral / dose oral) / (AUC IV / dose IV). F = (25.080 × 280) / (24 × 380) ×
100 = 77.0%.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 50.05 % does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 93.94 % does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 110.11 % does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 4 | Clearance from AUC
After a single IV dose of 1200 mg, the AUC from time zero to infinity is 60 mg·h/L. Calculate
total body clearance (L/h). Assume linear pharmacokinetics.
A. 20 L/h
B. 16.4 L/h
C. 24.4 L/h
D. 28.6 L/h
Correct Answer: A. 20 L/h
Detailed Rationale: CL = IV dose / AUC. CL = 1200 mg / 60 mg·h/L = 20.00 L/h.
Why other options are incorrect:
B. 16.4 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 24.4 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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D. 28.6 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 5 | Concentration decay
After an IV bolus, the initial concentration is 176 mg/L. If the elimination half-life is 10 hours,
what concentration (mg/L) remains after 40 hours? Assume first-order elimination and no
additional doses.
A. 7.15 mg/L
B. 9.02 mg/L
C. 13.42 mg/L
D. 11 mg/L
Correct Answer: D. 11 mg/L
Detailed Rationale: Ct = C0 × (1/2)^(t/t½). 40/10 = 4 half-lives; Ct = 176 × (1/2)^4 = 11.00 mg/L.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 7.15 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 9.02 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 13.42 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 6 | Constant-rate infusion
An IV infusion delivers 45 mg/h. If total clearance is 4.4 L/h and pharmacokinetics are linear,
what steady-state plasma concentration (mg/L) is expected?
A. 6.65 mg/L
B. 8.389 mg/L
C. 10.23 mg/L
D. 14.629 mg/L
Correct Answer: C. 10.23 mg/L
Detailed Rationale: Css = infusion rate / CL. Css = 45 mg/h / 4.4 L/h = 10.23 mg/L.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 6.65 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 8.389 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 14.629 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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, PHARMD • PHARMACOKINETICS • 2026–2027
Question 7 | Clearance from AUC
After a single IV dose of 600 mg, the AUC from time zero to infinity is 30 mg·h/L. Calculate total
body clearance (L/h). Assume linear pharmacokinetics.
A. 13 L/h
B. 20 L/h
C. 24.4 L/h
D. 28.6 L/h
Correct Answer: B. 20 L/h
Detailed Rationale: CL = IV dose / AUC. CL = 600 mg / 30 mg·h/L = 20.00 L/h.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 13 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 24.4 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 28.6 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 8 | Maintenance dosing
A drug has total clearance 7.5 L/h. The desired average steady-state concentration is 14 mg/L.
Assuming IV administration and linear kinetics, what total maintenance dose (mg) should be
given every 8 hours?
A. 840 mg
B. 688.8 mg
C. 1024.8 mg
D. 1201.2 mg
Correct Answer: A. 840 mg
Detailed Rationale: Dose per interval = Css,avg × CL × τ. 14 mg/L × 7.5 L/h × 8 h = 840 mg.
Why other options are incorrect:
B. 688.8 mg does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 1024.8 mg does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 1201.2 mg does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 9 | Elimination rate constant
Two post-distribution plasma samples are 7 hours apart. The earlier concentration is 34 mg/L
and the later is 12.884 mg/L. Estimate the first-order elimination rate constant k (h⁻¹).
A. 0.09 h⁻¹
B. 0.114 h⁻¹
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PharmD Pharmacokinetics
2026–2027 Practice Examination | 110 Calculations & Practice Q&A
Original educational resource • Not an official PharmD examination
Instructions and assumptions
Select the single best answer for each question. Use the information and assumptions stated in the
stem. Calculations assume linear, one-compartment pharmacokinetics where indicated. Round only
at the final step; all answer choices are approximate where necessary. Values are hypothetical and
must not be used for patient-specific dosing.
Coverage: loading doses, maintenance dosing, elimination half-life, clearance, AUC, bioavailability,
infusion steady state, concentration decay, elimination rate constants, volume of distribution, and
fraction remaining.
Question 1 | Elimination rate constant
Two post-distribution plasma samples are 8 hours apart. The earlier concentration is 36 mg/L
and the later is 14.287 mg/L. Estimate the first-order elimination rate constant k (h⁻¹).
A. 0.075 h⁻¹
B. 0.095 h⁻¹
C. 0.142 h⁻¹
D. 0.116 h⁻¹
Correct Answer: D. 0.116 h⁻¹
Detailed Rationale: k = ln(C1/C2) / Δt. k = ln(36/14.287) / 8 = 0.1155 h⁻¹.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 0.075 h⁻¹ does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 0.095 h⁻¹ does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 0.142 h⁻¹ does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Question 2 | Volume of distribution
Immediately after distribution of an IV bolus of 600 mg, the extrapolated initial plasma
concentration is 12.5000 mg/L. Using the exact concentration 600/48 mg/L, calculate apparent
Vd (L).
A. 31.2 L
B. 39.36 L
C. 48 L
D. 68.64 L
Correct Answer: C. 48 L
Detailed Rationale: Vd = dose / C0. Vd = 600 mg / (600/48 mg/L) = 48 L.
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, PHARMD • PHARMACOKINETICS • 2026–2027
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 31.2 L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 39.36 L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 68.64 L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Question 3 | Absolute bioavailability
An IV dose of 280 mg yields AUC 24 mg·h/L. An oral dose of 380 mg yields AUC 25.080 mg·h/L.
Calculate absolute oral bioavailability as a percentage.
A. 50.05 %
B. 77 %
C. 93.94 %
D. 110.11 %
Correct Answer: B. 77 %
Detailed Rationale: F = (AUC oral / dose oral) / (AUC IV / dose IV). F = (25.080 × 280) / (24 × 380) ×
100 = 77.0%.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 50.05 % does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 93.94 % does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 110.11 % does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 4 | Clearance from AUC
After a single IV dose of 1200 mg, the AUC from time zero to infinity is 60 mg·h/L. Calculate
total body clearance (L/h). Assume linear pharmacokinetics.
A. 20 L/h
B. 16.4 L/h
C. 24.4 L/h
D. 28.6 L/h
Correct Answer: A. 20 L/h
Detailed Rationale: CL = IV dose / AUC. CL = 1200 mg / 60 mg·h/L = 20.00 L/h.
Why other options are incorrect:
B. 16.4 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 24.4 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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D. 28.6 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 5 | Concentration decay
After an IV bolus, the initial concentration is 176 mg/L. If the elimination half-life is 10 hours,
what concentration (mg/L) remains after 40 hours? Assume first-order elimination and no
additional doses.
A. 7.15 mg/L
B. 9.02 mg/L
C. 13.42 mg/L
D. 11 mg/L
Correct Answer: D. 11 mg/L
Detailed Rationale: Ct = C0 × (1/2)^(t/t½). 40/10 = 4 half-lives; Ct = 176 × (1/2)^4 = 11.00 mg/L.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 7.15 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 9.02 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 13.42 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 6 | Constant-rate infusion
An IV infusion delivers 45 mg/h. If total clearance is 4.4 L/h and pharmacokinetics are linear,
what steady-state plasma concentration (mg/L) is expected?
A. 6.65 mg/L
B. 8.389 mg/L
C. 10.23 mg/L
D. 14.629 mg/L
Correct Answer: C. 10.23 mg/L
Detailed Rationale: Css = infusion rate / CL. Css = 45 mg/h / 4.4 L/h = 10.23 mg/L.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 6.65 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
B. 8.389 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 14.629 mg/L does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 7 | Clearance from AUC
After a single IV dose of 600 mg, the AUC from time zero to infinity is 30 mg·h/L. Calculate total
body clearance (L/h). Assume linear pharmacokinetics.
A. 13 L/h
B. 20 L/h
C. 24.4 L/h
D. 28.6 L/h
Correct Answer: B. 20 L/h
Detailed Rationale: CL = IV dose / AUC. CL = 600 mg / 30 mg·h/L = 20.00 L/h.
Why other options are incorrect:
A. 13 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 24.4 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 28.6 L/h does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 8 | Maintenance dosing
A drug has total clearance 7.5 L/h. The desired average steady-state concentration is 14 mg/L.
Assuming IV administration and linear kinetics, what total maintenance dose (mg) should be
given every 8 hours?
A. 840 mg
B. 688.8 mg
C. 1024.8 mg
D. 1201.2 mg
Correct Answer: A. 840 mg
Detailed Rationale: Dose per interval = Css,avg × CL × τ. 14 mg/L × 7.5 L/h × 8 h = 840 mg.
Why other options are incorrect:
B. 688.8 mg does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
C. 1024.8 mg does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
D. 1201.2 mg does not match the result of the stated pharmacokinetic equation using the
supplied inputs.
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Question 9 | Elimination rate constant
Two post-distribution plasma samples are 7 hours apart. The earlier concentration is 34 mg/L
and the later is 12.884 mg/L. Estimate the first-order elimination rate constant k (h⁻¹).
A. 0.09 h⁻¹
B. 0.114 h⁻¹
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