Question

When administering gentamicin (Garamicin) to a preschooler, which monitoring schedule is best for determining the drug's effectiveness?

1. A serum trough level every morning
2. A serum peak level after the second dose
3. A serum trough and peak level around the third dose
4. Serial serum trough levels after three doses (24 hours)

Answer 1

The best approach to monitor the effectiveness of gentamicin in preschoolers is to check both serum trough and peak levels around the third dose, ensuring optimum therapeutic levels and minimal toxicity.

Step-by-step explanation:

When administering gentamicin (Garamicin) to a preschooler, the best monitoring schedule for determining the drug's effectiveness would be option 3, a serum trough and peak level around the third dose. This is because getting both the peak and trough levels provides valuable information about the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the patient, and ensures that therapeutic drug levels are achieved without causing toxicity. Peak levels indicate the maximum concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, typically measured after the drug is expected to have been absorbed, while trough levels are measured immediately before the next dose, when drug levels are at their lowest. This strategy allows for adjustments to dosage and timing to maintain efficacy and minimize side effects.