Extended-interval (once daily) aminoglycoside dosing is preferred over traditional multiple daily dosing because aminoglycoside killing is best described by:
- A Time-dependent killing with minimal post-antibiotic effect
- B Time-dependent killing independent of peak concentrations
- C Concentration-dependent killing with a significant post-antibiotic effect ✓
- D Purely bacteriostatic action requiring sustained trough levels above MIC
Correct answer: C. Concentration-dependent killing with a significant post-antibiotic effect
Explanation
Aminoglycosides show concentration-dependent bactericidal activity: higher peaks give faster kill, and they exhibit a post-antibiotic effect, meaning bacterial killing continues after levels fall below the MIC. This permits large once-daily doses that maximize the Cmax/MIC ratio while allowing trough periods that reduce renal cortical and ototoxic drug accumulation.
Reference: Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.