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Does a One-Size Drug Dose Fit All?

Or, Why All the Variability in the Theophylline Blood Concentrations?

By Kathleen Boje

Does a One-Size Drug Dose Fit All?


 

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to make students aware that some patients may require individualized drug dosing regimens based on a variety of patient variables. The central classroom activity consists of small group work in which students analyze a set of patient data cards to identify patient characteristics that influence theophylline blood levels. It was developed for an introductory pharmaceutical sciences course but would be suitable for other students with a biological, biomedical, health sciences, or chemistry/medicinal chemistry background. A set of patient data cards is included with the case as a supplemental material. There is no separate answer key for this case, although the teaching notes identify key factors influencing theophylline concentrations.

   

Date Posted

01/21/2002

Overview

Objectives

  • Explain each of the following terms and concepts in his/her own words: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic drug concentration range, individual variability, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
  • Describe the pharmacokinetics of theophylline.
  • Identify individual patient characteristics that would signal a need for theophylline dosage adjustment.
  • Appreciate the complexity of dosing a prescription medication to a diverse population.
  • Analyze pharmacokinetic data similar to the kind presented in the case to make inferences and derive conclusions.

Keywords

pharmacokinetics; pharmacodynamics; theophylline; therapeutic drug concentration range; individual variability; dosing; absorption; distribution; metabolism; excretion; asthma

  

Subject Headings

Medicinal Chemistry
Medicine (General)
Nursing
Pharmacy / Pharmacology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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