Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Peaks + Troughs

Peak and trough levels are methods used to establish the effectiveness of a drug.

Peak:
- Highest drug level after distribution
- Drawn after the last dose of drug, usually one hour.
- Commonly obtained with use of aminoglycosides
- Used to change dose

Trough:
- Lowest drug level that is needed to reach therapeutic range
- Drawn before the next dose of drug is given.
- Commonly obtained with use of vancomycin
- Used to change frequency

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