What does 'therapeutic drug monitoring' (TDM) involve?

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) involves measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood to ensure that the medication is within the desired therapeutic range. This practice is crucial for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is very small. By regularly assessing drug concentrations, healthcare providers can optimize therapy by adjusting dosages according to individual patient responses and metabolic variations. This helps to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.