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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
11:17

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

Prescribing antibiotics

C Ellenbogen, R H Taylor

    American Family Physician
    |June 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Antibiotic therapy targets microorganisms, not patients directly. Treatment failure can stem from incorrect drug selection, dosage, administration, distribution, or drug metabolism.

    Area of Science:

    • Pharmacology
    • Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Antibiotics are crucial for treating bacterial infections by targeting microorganisms.
    • The efficacy of antibiotics is influenced by the patient's internal environment and the pathogen's characteristics.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To elucidate the unique toxicological profile of antibiotics.
    • To identify factors contributing to antibiotic treatment failure.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of pharmacological principles governing antibiotic action.
    • Analysis of clinical factors influencing antibiotic efficacy and toxicity.

    Main Results:

    • Antibiotic toxicity is uniquely linked to the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the patient.
    • Common causes of non-response include incorrect drug choice, suboptimal dosage, and poor drug distribution to the infection site.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding the interplay between antibiotics, microorganisms, and the host is critical for effective treatment.
    • Addressing factors like drug selection, dosing, and pharmacokinetics is essential to overcome antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes.

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