Therapeutic dosage is the quantity of a drug required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect without causing significant side effects. It is determined through clinical trials and testing for efficacy and safety.
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Therapeutic dosage varies between individuals based on factors like age, weight, and metabolic rate.
Finding the therapeutic dosage is crucial to avoid underdosing, which may lead to ineffective treatment, or overdosing, which can cause toxicity.
In microbiology, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) helps in establishing the correct therapeutic dosage of antimicrobial drugs.
The therapeutic index (TI) is a ratio that compares the toxic dose to the therapeutic dose; a higher TI indicates a safer drug.
Adjustments in therapeutic dosages are necessary for patients with renal or hepatic impairments as these conditions affect drug metabolism and excretion.
Review Questions
Why is determining the therapeutic dosage important in antimicrobial therapy?
What factors can influence an individual's therapeutic dosage?
How does the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) relate to finding a drug's therapeutic dosage?