Influence of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of antibacterials in their dosing regimen selection

The choice of antimicrobial dosing in clin. practice in the past was based upon a 'penicillin mentality', i.e., on the assumption that the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy is dependent on the duration of drug levels above the min. inhibitory concn. of target microorganisms. Really, a rational antimicrobial therapy is strongly related to a basic understanding of the influence the patient has on the antibiotic (pharmacokinetics (PKs)) and the patient's response to the specific drug effects (pharmacodynamics (PDs)). PK/PD parameters are essential in facilitating the translation of microbiol. activity into clin. situations, ensuring a successful outcome. This review will analyze the typical patterns of antimicrobial activity and the corresponding PK/PD parameters, with a special focus on a PK/PD dosing approach with the most commonly utilized antimicrobial agent classes.