gyógyszermonitorozást

Gyógyszermonitorozás, often translated as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug concentrations in a patient's bloodstream at designated intervals. The primary goal of TDM is to ensure that the drug concentration remains within a therapeutic window, a range that is effective for treatment while minimizing the risk of toxicity. This individualized approach is particularly important for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small.

Factors influencing drug concentrations can vary significantly between individuals, including genetics, age, weight, organ function (especially liver and kidney), disease state, and interactions with other medications or foods. TDM helps clinicians to optimize drug dosage for each patient, improving treatment outcomes and reducing adverse drug reactions. It can be used to confirm adherence to medication, diagnose suspected toxicity or sub-therapeutic levels, and guide dose adjustments. Common drug classes that benefit from TDM include certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and cardiac medications. The interpretation of TDM results is a complex process that requires expertise in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.