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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
Chronobiology and chronotoxicology of antibiotics and aminoglycosides
Denis Beauchamp1, Gaston Labrecque
1Research Center on Infectious Diseases and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Pavilion CHUL, Canada.
Abstract:
Few investigators have examined the circadian variation in the symptom intensity of infectious diseases. Seasonal patterns in a variety of infectious are well know. Less appreciated are the circadian patterns in the symptom expression of infections. Studies indicate that fever which accompanies the common cold peaks at 4 p.m., and this is in agreement with other studies indicating that the elevation of body temperature, fever, due to bacterial infections is higher in the evening while that due to viral infections is more likely in the morning. Animal and human studies reveal also administration-time-dependent differences in the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of antimicrobial agents. This is particularly true for the aminoglycosides, as their nephrotoxicity is greatest when administered during the resting period of laboratory animals and human beings. Food intake and low urinary pH has been found to be protective of the toxicity of aminoglycosides at this time of the day. Knowledge of the administration-time-dependence of aminoglycosides and the underlying mechanisms can be used to develop once-a-day formulations that are significantly less toxic, in particular to the kidney, in patients who require around-the-clock antimicrobial therapy.
Insights
Circadian rhythms influence infectious disease symptoms and drug effectiveness. Optimizing antimicrobial dosing times, like with aminoglycosides, can reduce toxicity, particularly kidney damage.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Circadian variations in infectious disease symptom intensity are under-researched.
- Seasonal patterns are known, but daily (circadian) patterns in symptom expression are less appreciated.
- Fever from infections shows diurnal variation, differing between bacterial and viral causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore circadian variations in infectious disease symptom intensity.
- To investigate time-dependent differences in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and toxicity.
- To inform the development of less toxic, time-optimized drug formulations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on circadian rhythms in infectious diseases.
- Analysis of diurnal patterns in fever associated with infections.
- Examination of administration-time-dependent effects of antimicrobial agents, focusing on aminoglycosides.
Main Results:
- Fever peaks in the afternoon for common colds.
- Bacterial infection fevers are higher in the evening; viral infection fevers are higher in the morning.
- Aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity is greatest when administered during the body's resting period.
Conclusions:
- Circadian rhythms significantly impact infectious disease symptom presentation.
- Timing of aminoglycoside administration influences nephrotoxicity.
- Understanding these chronobiological mechanisms can lead to safer, once-daily dosing strategies for antimicrobials.
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