Which lab tests are essential when prescribing medications that require renal dosing adjustments?

When prescribing medications that necessitate renal dosing adjustments, it is crucial to monitor the patient's kidney function. Serum creatinine levels provide information on how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which is essential to consider when determining drug dosages since many medications are eliminated through the kidneys.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a calculated value based on serum creatinine and other factors such as age, sex, and race. It gives a more comprehensive assessment of kidney function and helps clinicians assess the degree of renal impairment more accurately.

Both serum creatinine and eGFR are vital in guiding dosing decisions for medications that are primarily excreted by the kidneys. Adjusting the dose based on these values helps prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity, ensuring patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.