pKa and Ka (Acid dissociation constant)

G Manjooran University of the Witwatersrand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9838-4676

Keywords: pKa, Ka, acid dissociation constant

Abstract

pK_a of a drug is the pH at which 50% of the drug is ionised and 50% is not ionised/unionised.^1,2

The pK_a is specific for each drug and these properties determine how a drug can be administered, the speed of absorption as well as speed of excretion by the kidneys.²

Author Biography

G Manjooran, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Anaesthesia, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Published

2020-11-13

Issue

Vol 26 No 6 (2020)

Section

FCA 1 Anaesthetic Refresher Course 2020

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