Determining aminoglycoside dosage and blood levels using a programmable calculator.

A programmable calculator procedure for the determination of dosage regimens and steady-state peak and trough levels of aminoglycoside antibiotics is described. The calculator is programmed based on a one-compartment open model and first-order elimination of aminoglycosides. A detailed description of the programs and user instructions are presented. The programs allow calculation of intermittent i.v. infusion dosage regimens and steady-state levels, and adjustment of dosage and dosing interval when measured plasma levels differ significantly from predicted levels. The calculator programs provide a rapid means of predicting and modifying dosage regimens and steady-state plasma levels for aminoglycoside antibiotics.