FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

The phenomenon associated with drugs that have a high volume of distribution (Vd) is a longer elimination half-life. A high Vd indicates that a drug is extensively distributed into the body's tissues and compartments rather than remaining primarily in the bloodstream. When a drug is widely distributed, it typically takes longer to be eliminated from the body because a significant portion of the drug is stored in tissues, and its release back into the plasma for clearance occurs more gradually.

This prolonged presence in the tissues translates to an extended duration for the drug to reach levels suitable for elimination processes (such as metabolism and excretion), thus increasing the elimination half-life. Consequently, a high Vd can signal potential challenges in achieving therapeutic levels quickly and necessitates consideration of dosing intervals and adjustments.