Insights into therapeutic drug monitoring
Author(s): David Karunyakaran H
Abstract: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the measurement and interpretation of plasma or blood drug concentrations to optimize clinical efficacy while minimizing toxicity. It ensures that drug levels remain within the therapeutic window, allowing individualized dosing based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability. In veterinary medicine, TDM plays a vital role in managing drugs with narrow therapeutic indices, such as antiepileptics, cardiac medications, and aminoglycosides. It aids in detecting therapeutic failure, preventing adverse effects, and guiding dosage adjustments in animals with concurrent diseases or altered metabolism. Reliable sample collection, precise analytical methods, and clinical interpretation are essential for effective TDM. Incorporating TDM into routine veterinary practice enhances evidence-based decision-making, ensures treatment safety, and contributes to improved therapeutic outcomes in animal patients.
