Pharmacokinetic Principles of Dosing Adjustments (Original PDF from Publisher)

Pharmacokinetic Principles for Personalized Dosing Regimens

The evolution of pharmacology over the past two decades has witnessed a paradigm shift from a universal approach to drug administration to a tailored approach that prioritizes patient-specific needs. Pharmacokinetic principles have emerged as the cornerstone of this transformation, providing a framework for optimizing drug dosing regimens to ensure safe, effective, and personalized patient care.

Pharmacokinetic parameters such as half-life and volume of distribution are crucial in guiding dosing decisions, particularly for drugs that require close monitoring and adjustment to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. However, the complex nature of these parameters has often made their practical application challenging for clinicians.

This comprehensive guide, “Pharmacokinetic Principles of Dosing Adjustments,” bridges this knowledge gap by demystifying the concepts that underpin dosing adjustments. Written by Dr. Ronald D. Schoenwald, a renowned pharmacokineticist with over two decades of experience, the book presents a holistic approach to understanding and applying pharmacokinetic principles in clinical practice.

Unlike traditional handbooks that merely provide a cursory overview of dosing adjustments, this work delves into the fundamental equations that govern drug dosing. Instead of relying on lengthy derivations, the author employs an intuitive approach that simplifies these equations and enables clinicians to grasp their underlying principles.

Through a series of real-world examples, the book illuminates the relationship between initial drug conditions, patient characteristics, and route of administration. This practical perspective empowers clinicians to develop customized dosing regimens that account for individual patient factors, rather than relying on generic guidelines.

Beyond equations, the book provides a thorough exploration of relevant pharmacokinetic terms, kinetic processes, and modeling approaches. These concepts are essential for understanding the intricacies of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination, which ultimately influence dosing decisions.

The target audience for this invaluable resource is clinicians and practitioners who navigate the complexities of dosing adjustments in their daily work. Whether in hospital settings, clinics, or research institutions, the principles outlined in this book provide a solid foundation for optimizing patient outcomes through tailored drug administration.

As a testament to its practical relevance, the book has served as the cornerstone of Dr. Schoenwald’s introductory pharmacokinetics course for over two decades. Its translation into written form ensures that this wealth of knowledge is now accessible to a broader audience of healthcare professionals seeking to advance their understanding of dosing adjustments and improve patient care.