Dose definition in pharmacology

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Dose Definition in Pharmacology

Basic Definition of Dose in Pharmacology

In pharmacology, "dose" refers to the measured quantity of a drug or medicine given to a patient at one time or over a specific period. This is typically expressed in scientific units such as milligrams or grams and is directly related to the intended therapeutic effect or potential toxicity of the drug 67. The concept of dose is central to clinical pharmacology, as it determines how much of a drug is administered to achieve the desired effect while minimizing harm 149.

Dose, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics

The relationship between dose, drug concentration in the body, and the resulting effect is fundamental in pharmacology. Pharmacokinetic (PK) models describe how the dose relates to drug concentration in the body, while pharmacodynamic (PD) models explain how these concentrations produce therapeutic or toxic effects 25. Understanding this dose–concentration–effect relationship is essential for optimizing drug therapy and ensuring both safety and efficacy 245.

Individualization and Precision Dosing

While many drugs have a standard recommended dose, individual factors such as age, organ function, genetics, and drug interactions can require dose adjustments. Precision dosing aims to tailor the dose to the unique characteristics of each patient, moving beyond the "one-size-fits-all" approach to maximize benefit and minimize risk 14. This is especially important in special populations or when using drugs with narrow therapeutic windows 14.

Dose in Drug Development and Clinical Practice

During drug development, determining the correct dose is a stepwise process that involves preclinical studies, early human trials, and ongoing adjustments based on safety and efficacy data. Mathematical and mechanistic models are used to predict the optimal dose, taking into account absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties 234. In clinical practice, dose adjustments may be guided by therapeutic drug monitoring and patient-specific factors 45.

Importance of Dose in Safety and Efficacy

The administered dose directly influences the concentration of a drug at its target site, which in turn determines its therapeutic and toxic effects. If the required dose for a desired effect is too high and falls into a toxic range, the drug may not be suitable for clinical use . Therefore, careful dose selection is crucial to ensure that drugs are both effective and safe 149.

Conclusion

In summary, the dose in pharmacology is the specific amount of a drug given to achieve a desired effect, and it is a foundational concept for both drug development and clinical use. Proper understanding and application of dose, informed by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles, are essential for maximizing therapeutic benefits and minimizing risks for patients 124569.

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Precision Dosing: The Clinical Pharmacology of Goldilocks

This issue of CPT explores precision dosing, a clinical pharmacology approach that tailors drug doses to individual needs, maximizing benefits and minimizing harm.

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Understanding and applying pharmacometric modelling and simulation in clinical practice and research

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models are essential for drug development, drug safety, and clinical practice, aiding in off-label dosing, individualized medicine, and study design.

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·J. Standing

Estimating human ADME properties, pharmacokinetic parameters and likely clinical dose in drug discovery

Prediction of human ADME, pharmacokinetic parameters, and dose is crucial for drug discovery, reducing risk and improving safety and efficacy.

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·A. Lucas et al.

Getting the Dosage Right: A Vital Role for Clinical Pharmacology in the Era of Precision Medicine

Getting the dosage right in drug development and clinical practice is crucial for maximizing patient benefit and minimizing adverse effects, with precision dosing strategies tailoring regimens to individual patients and diseases.

2024·

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·Iris K. Minichmayr et al.

Combatting The Rising Tide of Antimicrobial Resistance: Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Dosing Strategies for Maximal Precision.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic dosing strategies can optimize antibiotic efficacy against drug-resistant organisms and minimize toxicity, but further research is needed to fully realize their potential in clinical settings.

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A comparison of two approaches to the construction of models for quantal responses to mixtures of drugs.

Ashford and Smith's approach to modeling quantal responses to mixtures of drugs leads to models with limited predictive properties, while the authors' approach emphasizes a general method for developing mathematical models for specific biological situations.

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·R. Plackett et al.

The dose of radiation.

The dose of radiation therapy is a measured quantity of radiant energy directed at the patient over a period of time, with the goal of palliation or even promoting cancer recovery.

1946·

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·S. J. Hawley

There is Only One Valid Definition of Clearance: Critical Examination of Clearance Concepts Reveals the Potential for Errors in Clinical Drug Dosing Decisions

The current definition of clearance, based solely on systemic blood concentrations, is inadequate for predicting organ clearance and can lead to drug dosing errors.

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·L. Benet et al.

Paracelsus Paradox and Drug Repurposing for Cancer

Drug repurposing for cancer is often hindered by toxic doses, highlighting the importance of considering the Paracelsus Paradox when studying cancer drugs.

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·T. Koltai

Measures of Dosage for Spinal-Cord Electrical Stimulation: Review and Proposal

This paper proposes a robust measure of therapeutic dose for spinal-cord stimulation, improving acceptance of the therapy and potentially generalizable to other neuromodulation therapies.

2023·

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·P. Single et al.

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