Definition:

The highest (peak) concentration of a drug in the bloodstream or other part of the body after drug administration.

Cmax is a key pharmacokinetic measure and informs dosing schedules. Drug concentrations in the body need to be high enough over a sustained period for the drug to be effective but without causing significant side effects.

More information:

Points to consider on PK and PD in the development of antibacterial medicinal products (Committee for proprietary medicinal products (CPMP), EMA, 2000)

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Definition, Encyclopaedia, Publication, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, PK/PD, Preclinical development