Dosing in Obese Subject

Abstract

The excess of body-weight, by its prevalence and its associated-complications, explain that more and more obese patients are treated, encouraging a reflexion about dosing consideration. In this review, we focus on the physiological changes linked with obesity and the associated changes in drug pharmacokinetics, especially as changes in drug distribution and metabolism occur. In many situations, no recommendation exists for adjusting drug dosage in obese subjects. An “off-label” prescription, when dosage recommendations are lacking, is possible if sufficiently documented. However it must remain careful, as physiological changes linked to obesity are not necessarily associated with a risk of drug under-dosing.