If the peak level is appropriate but the trough level is too low, what should be adjusted?

The scenario described involves a pharmacokinetic situation where the peak level, indicating the maximum concentration of the drug in the bloodstream after administration, is at an appropriate level, but the trough level, which reflects the minimum concentration prior to the next dose, is too low. This suggests that the drug is being eliminated from the body faster than intended, leading to insufficient levels at the time of the next dose.

To address a low trough level while maintaining the peak level, it's important to understand the timing of doses and their relationship to drug clearance. Shortening the dosing interval allows for more frequent administration of the drug, providing additional opportunities for the drug to enter the system and increasing the trough level. Since the peak level is already appropriate, shortening the interval ensures that the drug remains effective and maintains therapeutic concentrations without necessarily increasing the dose per administration.

By shortening the dosing schedule, there’s potential to maintain effective drug levels and optimize therapeutic outcomes without the negative effects that could arise from increasing the daily dose, such as increased side effects or toxicity.