What is meant by a maintenance dose?

A maintenance dose refers to the dose of a medication that is administered to maintain the desired level of the drug in the bloodstream after an initial loading dose has been given. The purpose of the maintenance dose is to keep the drug concentration within the therapeutic range, which ensures that the drug remains effective while minimizing potential side effects.

This concept is crucial in pharmacotherapy, as many medications require careful management of dosages to achieve the right balance between efficacy and safety. After the initial loading dose, which is usually higher to quickly achieve therapeutic levels, the maintenance dose is calculated based on the drug's pharmacokinetics—how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. By adhering to the maintenance dose schedule, healthcare providers can help ensure effective and continuous treatment over time.