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Loading Dose of an Aminoglycoside for an Obese Patient

Description

Obese patients (people whose body weight is 125% of the ideal body weight) should be dosed by weight based on a value between their actual weight and the ideal body weight (lean body weight). This adjustment relates to the volume of distribution for the antibiotic.


 

weight for dosing =

= ideal body weight + 43% excess =

= (ideal body weight) + (0.43 * ((actual body weight) - (ideal body weight)))

 

loading dose of aminoglycoside =

= (weight for dosing) * (loading dose in mg/kg)

 

where:

• Body weights are in kilograms.

 

 

loading dose in mg/kg

Amikacin

5.0 - 7.5

Gentamicin

1.5 - 2.0

Netilimicin

1.5 - 2.0

Tobramycin

1.5 - 2.0

 


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