Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics for critical care clinicians

For appropriate antibiotic therapy and selection, the clinician must be familiar with pharmacodynamic concepts that integrate an antibiotic's microbiologic activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and mode of bacterial killing. Much of the traditional dosing methods that continue to this day are based more on habit rather than science. This article addresses these issues and explains the basis for the new scientific ways to administer antibiotics to optimize patient outcomes.