Pharmacokinetic alterations in obesity

Abstract

Although some medications have established dosing adjustments for obesity (Table 2), it remains unknown for the majority of medications if dosing adjustment is warranted. It is important to remember dosage adjustments may not be as simple as doubling an antibiotic dose because a patient is morbidly obese. Individualizing drug dosing is imperative in the obese, postoperative patient to ensure they simultaneously have therapeutic serum concentrations without drug toxicity. Much of what has been learned from studies in obese patients is that the pharmacokinetic alterations of medications are variable. Broad application of dosing guidelines even among medications within the same therapeutic class is likely not appropriate. An increased emphasis in researching the effects of obesity on the fate of medications is of paramount importance as the obese population grows. Practitioners should use caution and be vigilant in monitoring pharmacotherapy in obese individuals.