Techniques for Monitoring Drug Efficacy

Abstract

The efficacy of drugs can vary greatly between species and individuals. Establishing efficacious drug doses for a species requires integration of population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data into a dose-response curve. Unfortunately, these data sets are rarely available for exotic species. The use of alternative monitoring techniques is required to determine drug efficacy and safety. This article discusses methods to integrate efficacy monitoring into clinical practice, including the use of diagnostic testing and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Keywords: Compounded drug; Dose-response curve; Effective dose; Lethal dose; Therapeutic drug monitoring; Therapeutic index.