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Clearance

CL

Definition

The volume of plasma from which a drug is completely removed per unit time, reflecting the body's efficiency at eliminating the drug. Clearance is primarily determined by liver metabolism and kidney excretion. Reduced clearance (e.g., in kidney or liver disease) means the drug accumulates, potentially causing toxicity.

Example

Metformin is eliminated almost entirely by renal clearance, which is why dose adjustments are required in kidney disease.

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