Therapy - Drugs General tab

tab reviews the mechanism of drug action and dosage of the selected drug. The dosages listed represent "typical" regimens for patients with normal renal and hepatic function, and may not be applicable to a specific patient. Pediatric dosage schedules do not necessarily apply to infants. Where indicated, infant dosages apply to full-term babies with birth weight over 2,000 g.

The penetrability of drugs into cerebrospinal fluid (in the presence of meningeal inflammation) is displayed. These data do not imply an indication for any specific agent in cases of meningitis.

Dosage adjustments for patients with various levels of creatinine clearance are also displayed. These dosages should be viewed as initial guidelines, and must be adjusted according to serum levels as possible. In some cases, drugs having alternative routes of excretion and lacking in potential nephrotoxicty may be preferable.

The user may access a list of known drug toxicities and drug interactions by selecting the drug in question.

The Drug General tab displays the following information:

• Mechanism of action.
• Typical adult dosage.
• Typical pediatric dosage.
• CSF penetration (inflamed meninges).
• Typical drug dosing for renal dysfunction.
• Dosage interval for creatine clearance.
• Additional dose given following Hemodialysis.
• Dosage given during continuous peritoneal dialysis.