What it means
Below the range the drug may not work; above it, toxic effects become likely. Drugs with a narrow range, such as digoxindih-JOK-sinA drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.Full entry , lithium, phenytoin, carbamazepinekar-buh-MAZ-uh-peenA drug used to prevent seizures, to treat a type of facial nerve pain and to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.Full entry , valproic acidval-PROH-ik AS-idA drug used to prevent seizures, to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.Full entry and vancomycin, need blood levels checked. The term is also used for lab targets that show a drug is working, such as the INR for warfarin.
For the nurse
Draw levels at the times ordered: a trough just before a dose, a peak at a set time after it. Report levels outside the range, and look for signs of toxicity even when the level looks normal.
Related terms
digoxin
A drug that makes the heart beat more strongly and more slowly.
valproic acid
A drug used to prevent seizures, to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and to prevent migraines.
carbamazepine
A drug used to prevent seizures, to treat a type of facial nerve pain and to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder.
phenobarbital
A long-acting barbiturate used to control seizures, including seizures in newborns.