ONCE-DAILY DOSING SCHEDULE FOR AMINOGLYCO SIDES

Aminoglycosides are an old family of antimicrobials that still plays a central part in the treatment of severe infections due to Gram-negati ve rods. They have a low toxic-to-therapeutic ratio and carry a risk o f nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, which is influenced by the mode of a dministration and by the presence of comorbid conditions. Most of the toxic effects of aminoglycosides are due to saturable mechanisms. Admi nistration of two or three daily doses with determinations of peak and trough levels was first recommended. However, once-a-day schedules ca n be expected to have a better safety profile with at least comparable efficacy, as a result of higher peaks, a longer post-antibiotic effec t, and lower residual levels. Preliminary results of clinical studies are encouraging and may warrant a change in current prescription patte rns.