Insufficient plasma concentrations of empiric anti‐pseudomonal beta‐lactam antibiotics in critically ill patients with suspected sepsis

Aim To determine if empirical anti‐pseudomonal beta‐lactam antibiotic (BLA) dosing achieves adequate drug exposure in septic patients. Method A single‐centre, prospective pharmacokinetic study was conducted in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with sepsis, receiving empirical therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets were free BLA concentrations above the MIC at the mid‐point (Concentration A, 50%f T > MIC) and end of the dosing interval (Concentration B, 100% fT > MIC). Sub‐therapeutic concentrations were defined as concentration A