In drug therapy, what does titration refer to?

Titration in the context of drug therapy refers to the adjustment of a drug dosage to ensure that the patient achieves the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing side effects. This process is vital, especially with medications that have narrow therapeutic indices, where small changes in dosage can lead to significantly different effects. Through titration, healthcare providers can start a patient on a low dose and gradually increase it based on the patient’s response, monitoring efficacy and tolerability continuously.

This careful adjustment process is crucial for maintaining optimal therapeutic levels for medications, particularly in managing conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or pain, where individual responses can vary widely. By utilizing titration, healthcare professionals can tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient, striving for the most effective dose while minimizing risks.