All Wales antimicrobial dosing in extremes of body weight in adults
Many aspects of drug handling are altered in patients with increased body weight who
present with infection, risking therapeutic failure and antimicrobial resistance due to
inadequate drug exposure. Conversely, in underweight patients, standard dosing risks
exposing patients to drug toxicity.
Unfortunately, evidence is generally lacking when it comes to dosing in obese or underweight
patients, with dose recommendations often based on case reports or small studies. Each case
should be considered on an individual basis, taking into account other factors that will affect
drug handling, including renal function.
Please note this guidance does not include information on dosing in surgical prophylaxis.