Individualization of drug dosage regimens

Abstract

Individualizing drug dosage regimens is a common application of therapeutic drug monitoring. For drugs with a narrow therapeutic index or variable pharmacokinetic parameters, pharmacokinetic-based dosing can be useful. Pharmacokinetic methods that can aid the clinician in targeting for desired drug serum concentrations have been developed and clinically evaluated. These methods range from single nomograms or pharmacokinetic equations in which no serum concentrations are necessary to more complex techniques requiring serum concentration data and computer support. The most recently developed technique, Bayesian forecasting, may allow for more precise dosage individualization.