In: Math
The concentration of a drug in the body decreases exponentially after a dosage is given. In one clinical study, adult subjects averaged 14 micrograms/milliliter (mcg/mL) of the drug in their blood plasma 1 hr after a 1000-mg dosage and 3 micrograms/milliliter 4 hr after dosage.
a) Find the value k, and write an equation for an exponential function that can be used to predict the concentration of the drug, in micrograms/milliliter, t hours after a 1000-mg dosage.
b) Estimate the concentration of the drug 3 hr after a 1000-mg dosage.
c) To relieve a fever, the concentration of the drug should go no lower than 2 mcg/mL. After how many hours will a 1000-mg dosage drop to that level?