Question

how cirrhosis can alter the volume of distribution of highly protein bound, lipophilic drugs???

Answer 1

The cirrhosis can alter the distribution volume of highly protein bound, lipophilic drugs because of the change in the rate of renal clearance when someone is suffering from liver cirrhosis. Generally, in the liver the high protein bound drugs which are lipophilic are converted into more polar metabolites and hence it tends to decrease the half-life. However, when someone is suffering from liver cirrhosis the rate of conversion is reduced due to the inefficiency of functioning of the liver. This tends to decrease the renal clearance of the drug and hence is impacted.