What is a primary goal of therapeutic drug monitoring?

The primary goal of therapeutic drug monitoring is to ensure effective dosing. This process involves measuring specific drug concentrations in a patient's bloodstream to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential toxicity. By determining the precise amount of medication needed for each individual, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans that maximize efficacy, reduce the risk of adverse effects, and improve patient outcomes.

Therapeutic drug monitoring is particularly important for medications with narrow therapeutic indexes, where the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is minimal. Regular monitoring enables clinicians to adjust dosages based on the patient's response and various factors such as age, weight, organ function, and concurrent medications.

In contrast to other options, promoting drug sales and reducing medication wastage are not direct objectives of therapeutic drug monitoring. Preventing drug interactions is also important in medication management but is typically a secondary concern related to the overall medication regimen rather than a primary focus of therapeutic drug monitoring itself.