Pharmacology Notes

In the presence of renal impairment, antimicrobials and/or their metabolites that are excreted totally or in part by the kidneys may accumulate, and dosage adjustment may be required. For example, aminoglycosides depend almost entirely on the kidneys for their clearance and will rapidly reach toxic levels in patients with impaired renal function if standard dosing schedules are used. Table 2.33 provides a guide to initial antimicrobial regimens, based on creatinine clearance.