ABSTRACT
Effective antimicrobial therapy is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond the direct control of the clinician (see Figure 2.1). Antimicrobial selection and dosing, however, are two variables of drug therapy that can be controlled. Since anti-infective therapy plays such a critical role in successful outcomes for the neutropenic patient, optimization of drug regimen design is essential. This chapter will focus on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of antimicrobial dosing in the neutropenic host. Special attention will be devoted to describing differences between various classes of antimicrobials, as well as special pharmacokinetic issues in the care of neutropenic patients.
