A pocket calculator program for pharmacokinetic dosing of drugs exhibiting single compartment first-order elimination...

A pocket computer program has been designed to assist clinicians in the appropriate administration of most drugs exhibiting single compartment first-order elimination and either zero-order (intravenous infusions) or first-order (intramuscular and oral) absorption. The program utilizes well-established pharmacokinetic parameters to calculate an optimal drug dose and dosing interval based upon a patient's demographic characteristics and the drug half-life, volume of distribution, and absorption rate constant or infusion time. It also allows the user to estimate peak and trough drug serum concentrations. When measured serum concentrations are available during steady state, it is possible to determine individual patient drug half-life and volume of distribution for more accurate adjustments in dose and/or dosing interval. Usage of this program should enable clinicians to better select effective but safe drug dosing regimens based on individual patient needs and characteristics.