RLO: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Influences of Aminoglycoside Dosing

Introduction

The aminoglycosides are a group of bactericidal antibiotics commonly used for treating Gram negative infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.  They act by irreversibly binding to the 30S sub-unit of the ribosome, to prevent protein translation from mRNA.

Evidence from animal models and human volunteers has shown that bacteria are killed faster by higher concentrations of aminoglycoside.  This is possibly due to more molecules penetrating into the cell.  The rate at which bacteria are killed continues to rise, until the concentration of aminoglycoside reaches 10-12 times the bacterial MIC.

Aminoglycosides also demonstrate a post-antibiotic effect, where bacterial growth continues to be inhibited even after antibiotic levels fall below the MIC.

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N.B. The information contained in this RLO is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by healthcare professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.