Therapeutic drug monitoring

Description

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) refers to measuring drug levels in the blood to optimize drug therapy and ensure concentrations remain in the therapeutic range to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. TDM is used for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, non-linear kinetics, or high inter-individual variability in metabolism. It allows clinicians to individualize dosing regimens to maintain therapeutic concentrations and avoid sub-therapeutic or toxic levels. Common drugs monitored include digoxin, theophylline, aminoglycosides, and anti-epileptics.