Timing treatment to the rhythm of disease

PREVIEW

Although many aspects of human biology display circadian rhythms, only recently have researchers discovered that diseases also have predictable cyclic rhythms and that the timing of medication regimens can improve outcomes in selected chronic conditions. In this article, Dr Elliott explains the theoretical basis of chronotherapeutics and reviews the supporting evidence for administering drug therapy to coincide with the occurrence of symptoms or the times when patients are at highest risk for disease or adverse events.