tavoiteplasmapitoisuuden

Tavoiteplasmapitoisuus refers to the desired or target concentration of a drug in a patient's plasma. This concept is crucial in pharmacokinetics, the study of how a drug moves through the body. Achieving and maintaining a drug within its therapeutic range, which is defined by the tavoiteplasmapitoisuus, is essential for maximizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity.

The tavoiteplasmapitoisuus is determined through clinical trials and is based on achieving the desired pharmacological effect without causing unacceptable side effects. This target concentration can vary significantly between different drugs and even between different patient populations for the same drug. Factors such as patient weight, age, kidney and liver function, and the presence of other medications can influence how a drug is metabolized and eliminated, thus affecting the required dosage to reach the tavoiteplasmapitoisuus.

Monitoring plasma drug concentrations, a practice known as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), is often employed to ensure that a patient's drug levels are within the desired range. If plasma concentrations fall below the tavoiteplasmapitoisuus, the drug may not be effective. Conversely, if concentrations exceed this target, the risk of adverse drug reactions increases. Adjustments to the dosage regimen are made based on TDM results to optimize the drug's therapeutic outcome.