Lívia Magulová, Jana Sirotiaková, Mária Göbőová
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a relatively new clinical discipline that combines the determination of drug levels with the application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics principles to optimize dosage regimens in patients. The goal of TDM is to minimize the risk for toxicity and maximize the efficacy of drugs. Drug concentrations must always be interpreted in conjuction with clinical assesment of patient. To the quality of TDM service providing contributes mainly the clinical pharmacologists and clinical pharmacists. The major medications currently monitored by most pharmacokinetics laboratories include digoxin, cyclosporine and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Use of a clinical pharmacokinetics service documents the pharmacoeconomic benefits to both in- and outpatients.