The point in time for assessing the minimum concentration of vancomycin in a patient’s bloodstream, prior to the next dose, is a critical element in therapeutic drug monitoring. This measurement, reflecting the lowest drug level, aims to ensure adequate efficacy while minimizing the risk of toxicity. For example, if vancomycin is administered every 12 hours, the trough level is typically obtained within 30 minutes immediately preceding the subsequent scheduled dose.
Achieving optimal vancomycin concentrations is essential for successfully treating serious infections, such as those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Subtherapeutic levels can lead to treatment failure and the development of antimicrobial resistance, while excessively high concentrations are associated with nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Historically, empirical dosing strategies were common, but the recognition of interpatient variability in vancomycin pharmacokinetics has led to a greater emphasis on individualized dosing guided by trough level monitoring.
