Doseområde

Doseområde, in pharmacology and medicine, refers to the range of doses over which a drug provides the desired therapeutic effect with acceptable safety. It spans from the minimum effective dose, where the drug begins to work, to the maximum tolerated or safe dose, beyond which adverse effects become limiting. The concept is closely related to the therapeutic window, which is the interval between the minimum effective dose and the dose that produces unacceptable toxicity.

Determining the doseområde involves preclinical dose–response studies and clinical dose-ranging trials. In early phases, researchers identify doses that yield useful effects and monitor safety signals. The resulting dose range informs recommended dosing guidelines and titration schedules. Dose–response curves and population pharmacokinetics help account for variability among individuals and guide dose adjustments to achieve optimal therapeutic effect.

Several factors influence the size and position of a doseområde. Age, body weight, organ function (especially liver and kidney), comorbidities, and concomitant medications can shift the effective or toxic dose. The route of administration, drug formulation, and adherence also affect the observed dose range. Pediatric, geriatric, or renally impaired populations often require different dose ranges.

In clinical practice, drugs are typically started at a lower end of the doseområde and titrated to achieve the desired response while monitoring for adverse effects. Regulatory labeling often specifies a recommended dose range and maximum daily dose to ensure safety and efficacy across diverse patient groups.