Abstract
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs are significantly altered in critically ill patients as compared to more healthy subjects. The pathophysiological changes caused by severe illness can affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs. The etiology and mechanisms of these alterations are complex and often not clearly understood. Drug metabolism is not static but a dynamic process that can be expected to change as the patient's condition or his treatment changes. As a result of the large number of covariates involved the interindividual and intraindividual variability in pharmacokinetics are large. Less is known about the influence of severe illness on pharmacodynamics. Therefore it is difficult to establish guidelines for the administration of drugs in the general ICU population.
Translated title of the contribution | There are no ordinary patients at the ICU. Influences on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics |
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Original language | Dutch |
Pages (from-to) | 916-922 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pharmaceutisch Weekblad |
Volume | 138 |
Issue number | 26 |
Publication status | Published - 27 Jun 2003 |
Keywords
- Intensive care
- Metabolism
- Pharmacodynamics
- Pharmacokinetics