02.05.4 Minimum Effective and Steady-State Concentrations

The Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC) is the minimum plasma concentration required for the drug to be effective. When we use drugs, we want to use the appropriate dose and dosing interval to achieve plasma concentrations about the MEC to give an ongoing beneficial effect.

The steady-state concentration is a reasonably even concentration achieved with repeat dosing or continued infusion, which gives a continued beneficial effect.