Why is it vital to optimize dosing regimens in antimicrobial use?

Optimizing dosing regimens in antimicrobial use is vital primarily to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity and the potential for resistance. When the correct dose is determined and administered, it ensures that the antimicrobial can effectively combat the infection, achieving therapeutic outcomes without exposing the patient to the risks of higher doses such as toxicity or side effects. Furthermore, careful dosing helps reduce the likelihood of developing antimicrobial resistance. If doses are too low or administered too infrequently, it may not effectively kill the bacteria, allowing some to survive and potentially develop resistance.

In contrast, increasing the duration of hospital stays or ensuring patients receive the maximum number of antibiotics can lead to unnecessary healthcare costs and increased risks of adverse events. Standardizing treatment durations is often not feasible due to the variability in patient responses and types of infections, therefore focusing on individualized, optimized dosing is a far more effective strategy for improving patient outcomes and combating resistance.