TDM (Therapeutic Drug Monitoring)

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is a clinical practice that involves measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood at various times. Its purpose is to ensure that medication concentrations stay within a target range that is effective and safe. TDM helps healthcare providers adjust dosages for medications with narrow therapeutic windows—where small differences can impact effectiveness or cause side effects—such as for certain anti-epileptics, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants. This individualized approach optimizes treatment outcomes by balancing efficacy and minimizing toxicity.