American journal of hospital pharmacy
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Efficacy, safety, and cost factors related to aminoglycoside therapy, which is the treatment of choice for mixed infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and abdominal cavity, are reviewed. The cost of therapy must include all measurable costs of drug preparation, administration, monitoring, and potential toxicity or treatment failure. These costs are often difficult to quantify, as are potential differences in efficacy. ⋯ Nomograms and pharmacokinetic models, which can be used with computers and hand-held calculators, are useful for predicting initial doses and modifying subsequent doses. Aminoglycoside therapy is important in selected patients, but the comparative efficacy and safety of these drugs remains insufficiently assessed. Pharmacokinetic monitoring is helpful in assuring safe and effective dosing of aminoglycosides.