What is meant by 'therapeutic drug monitoring' (TDM)?

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) refers to the measure of specific drugs at designated intervals to ensure that drug levels remain within a therapeutic range. This process is crucial because it helps optimize individual patient therapy by adjusting dosages based on the measured drug concentration in the bloodstream. Certain medications have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small. By regularly measuring drug levels, healthcare providers can better manage dosing to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of toxicity.

In the context of TDM, the timing of drug level measurements is critical, as it can be done at various points, such as peak and trough levels, which further helps in making informed decisions about adjusting medication dosages. This scientific approach leads to enhanced efficacy and safety in pharmacotherapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes.