 |
| Drug | Timing of blood sample (important!) |
Target range (note units) |
Toxicity issues | Example of use |
| Digoxin | At least 6 hours post dose (to allow for equilibration to cardiac tissue) | 0.8 - 2.0 ng/ml | Dependent on potassium Arrhythmias |
Atrial fibrillation |
| Lithium | At least 12 hours post dose (once distribution has stabilized) | 0.5 - 1.0 mmol/l | More likely if dehydrated Renal failure |
Depression |
| Theophylline | Trough = prior to next dose | 10 - 20 mg/l | Arrhythmias | Asthma |
| Phenytoin | Trough = prior to next dose | 10 - 20 mg/l | Neurotoxicity | Anticonvulsant |
| Carbamazepine | Trough = prior to next dose | 4 - 12 mg/l | Neurotoxicity Arrhythmias |
Anticonvulsant |
| Phenobarbitone | Trough = prior to next dose | 10 - 40 mg/l | Neurotoxicity | Anticonvulsant |
| Cyclosporin | Trough = prior to next dose | Dependent on clinical scenario | Nephrotoxicity | Transplants |
| Gentamicin | Pre-dose = trough and post dose = peak (1hr) | Dependent on clinical scenario (see BNF) | Nephrotoxicity Ototoxicity |
Endocarditis |
| Caffeine | Trough = prior to next dose | Up to 40 mg/l for SCBU use | Tachycardia | Neonatal apnoea |
|
 |
 |