Underdose

To administer a medication, drug, or treatment in a dose lower than the prescribed or intended amount. This can happen due to various reasons, including inaccurate measurement, patient non-adherence, or errors in prescribing or dispensing. An underdose can lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes, treatment failure, or the development of drug resistance in some cases. The severity of the consequences depends on the specific medication, the severity of the condition being treated, and the extent of the underdosing. It can also impact the effectiveness of vaccines or the prevention of certain medical conditions. Continuous monitoring of drug levels and patient response is crucial to avoid underdosing and ensure the effectiveness of treatment. It is a critical component of patient safety.

Underdose meaning with examples

• The doctor realized the patient's antibiotic dosage was unintentionally underdosed due to a miscalculation in the pharmacy. This led to a slower recovery and a longer course of treatment. The hospital is reviewing its dispensing protocols to prevent similar errors, ensuring proper measurement and confirmation before administration of medications to patients to avoid a similar scenario.
• During a clinical trial for a new antidepressant, some participants experienced underdosing because of variations in how the drug was absorbed. Researchers had to carefully analyze the data to account for this discrepancy and its impact on the effectiveness of the medication. This prompted changes to the delivery method and dosage regime for improved results and accuracy.
• A child suffering from a chronic condition was accidentally underdosed with his essential daily medication due to a faulty dropper. This caused a relapse in his symptoms, and a return to the doctor for assessment. The parents were advised on how to use the medical equipment properly to prevent an underdose in the future.
• Despite careful instructions, a patient was underdosed on their pain medication due to their personal perception of its strength. The doctor explained to the patient the dangers of self-adjusting dosages to manage pain and the importance of following the prescribed instructions. They were instructed that they needed the full dosage to treat their pain.