title: Optimization of blood sampling time after intravenous bolus doses of gentamicin.
abstract: Comparisons were made, based on a one-compartment model, between predicted serum concentrations obtained at various sampling times after i.v. bolus and i.m. injections of gentamicin. Post-dose concentrations 1 h after i.m. injection were within 3% of the maximum concentration at steady-state, indicating that this was the optimal sampling time. Serum concentrations 1 h post-i.v. bolus were less than 7% different from those 1 h post-i.m. injection. In a clinical trial, blood samples taken earlier during the distribution phase of the drug, after an i.v. bolus, resulted in serum concentrations which were up to 74% higher than concentrations at 1 h. A survey of a sample of U.K. hospitals showed that only 41% were taking samples at 1 h post i.v. bolus of gentamicin. The majority of hospitals recommended a range of post-dose serum concentrations between 4 and 12 mg/l for patients with septicaemia, but when adjusted for errors related to sampling time, 36% of hospitals recommended a minimum which was equivalent to less than 4 mg/l at 1 h post dose. Post-dose concentrations of gentamicin should be measured in samples taken 1 h after either i.v. bolus and i.m. injections.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute, Aston University, Birmingham, U.K.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D005839:Gentamicins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous
chemical_list: D005839:Gentamicins