How often should a client returning from tuberculosis treatment have serum drug-level testing when on cycloserine?

When a client is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis (TB) with cycloserine, monitoring serum drug levels is crucial because of the potential side effects and the need to ensure the drug is maintained at therapeutic levels. Cycloserine has a narrow therapeutic index and can lead to neurotoxicity if not monitored properly.

Testing serum drug levels weekly allows for close oversight of the patient's response to the treatment and helps in adjusting dosages if necessary. This frequency of testing can help identify any adverse effects early on and ensure that the levels remain within an effective range, optimizing the treatment while minimizing risk.

Other suggested frequencies, such as daily, biweekly, or monthly, either do not provide sufficient oversight or may be excessively frequent, leading to unnecessary procedures. Weekly testing strikes a balance, ensuring patient safety and effective management of therapy for tuberculosis.