What is the initial dose given within the therapeutic range called?

The term used to describe the initial dose given within the therapeutic range is known as the loading dose. This dose is typically larger than the subsequent doses and is administered to rapidly achieve the desired drug concentration in the bloodstream. By doing so, the loading dose helps quickly bring levels of the medication to an effective range, allowing for the therapeutic effects to be felt sooner.

In clinical practice, loading doses are particularly important for medications that have a long half-life, as they can help overcome the time it would take to reach steady-state concentrations through maintenance doses alone. The concept of a loading dose is crucial in scenarios where immediate therapeutic effects are needed, such as in emergency settings.

In contrast, maintenance doses refer to the smaller regular doses given after the loading dose to maintain the desired therapeutic effect over time. Follow-up doses generally refer to doses given during subsequent visits or therapy sessions, while bolus doses typically refer to a single large dose administered quickly. Understanding these differences helps in comprehending how medications are administered to optimize their effectiveness.