Target concentration strategy

The basic principles outlined above can be applied to the interpretation of clinical drug concentration measurements on the basis of three major pharmacokinetic variables absorption, clearance, and volume of distribution (and the derived variable, half-life) and two pharmacodynamic variables maximum effect attainable in the target tissue and the sensitivity of the tissue to the drug. Diseases may modify all of these parameters, and the ability to predict the effect of disease states on pharmacokinetic parameters is important in properly adjusting dosage in such cases. (See The Target Concentration Strategy.)... 

Recognition of the essential role of concentration in linking pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics leads naturally to the target concentration strategy. Pharmacodynamic principles can be used to predict the concentration required to achieve a particular degree of therapeutic effect. This target concentration can then be achieved by using... 

FIGURE 2.2 Target concentration strategy in which pharmacokinetics and drug level measurements are integral parts of a therapeutic plan that extends from initial drug dose estimation to subsequent patient monitoring and dose adjustment. 

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