antibioottikonsentraatio

Antibioottikonsentraatio refers to the amount of an antibiotic present in a specific biological fluid, such as blood or tissue, at a given time. This concentration is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy and the potential for adverse effects. Achieving and maintaining an appropriate antibiotic concentration at the site of infection is essential for eradicating the pathogenic microorganisms. If the concentration is too low, the antibiotic may not be potent enough to kill or inhibit the bacteria, leading to treatment failure and the development of antibiotic resistance. Conversely, excessively high concentrations can increase the risk of toxicity and side effects in the patient.

Several factors influence antibiotic concentration in the body. These include the dose administered, the route of administration (e.g., oral, intravenous), the rate of absorption, distribution throughout the body, metabolism by the liver, and excretion by the kidneys. Individual patient characteristics, such as age, weight, kidney and liver function, and the presence of other medical conditions, can also significantly alter antibiotic pharmacokinetics and, therefore, its concentration. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a practice that involves measuring antibiotic concentrations in patient samples to individualize dosing regimens and optimize treatment outcomes, particularly for antibiotics with a narrow therapeutic index.