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Welcome to Week 2

In this article, we welcome learners to week 2, explaining content that will be covered this week.
Student writing in a notebook with an orange pen.
© Photo by Thought Catalog from Burst
Welcome to the second week of this course on aminoglycosides.

Last week, we discussed aminoglycosides and the types of antibiotics within this class. We also explored the bacteria they target and their mechanism(s) of action, and concluded by highlighting the various clinical uses of aminoglycosides, with case studies provided for further context.

During this week, you will be introduced to important pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) parameters which determine response to therapy and underpin dosing regimens. You will learn how dosing is calculated and understand the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and careful interpretation of results.

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

  • Explain key PK and PD parameters and how they are related to aminoglycoside action and efficacy
  • Summarise how aminoglycoside dosing is calculated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation and appreciate the different patient groups where dosing calculations may differ
  • Describe the importance of TDM when administering aminoglycosides and associated challenges when interpreting results

We hope you enjoy this week!

© BSAC
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Optimise Aminoglycoside Use in Clinical Practice

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