Tag: Therapeutic monitoring

The British Journal of Pharmacology publishes a biennial *Concise Guide to PHARMACOLOGY*, offering an official overview of thousands of drug targets. This article provides a high-level summary of the essential principles for anyone seeking a more foundational understanding of the subject, addressing the question, 'What is the concise guide to pharmacology?'

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have historically been a significant cause of fatal prescription drug overdoses in the United States. This fact underpins the critical need for their inclusion in comprehensive drug screening protocols. The reasons why drug screens test for tricyclic antidepressants range from emergency medical assessment to therapeutic monitoring and addressing the potential for misuse.

Gentamicin, a powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic, has a narrow therapeutic index, making vigilant monitoring of blood concentrations essential to balance efficacy and safety. Knowing **what is the serum level of gentamicin?** is critical for clinicians to ensure the drug effectively treats severe bacterial infections while avoiding serious toxicities.