Toxicity and Therapeutic Index
What is the Therapeutic Effect?
A therapeutic index refers to difference between the minimum level a medication must reach within the body for it to be effective and the maximum level a drug will reach before a medication causes side effects. For most medications there is a large range between these two values. A narrow therapeutic medication has a must smaller index. Some medications for seizures or thyroid disease (for example other medications fall into the group too) have a small difference between what dose it required to achieve a proper response and too much that might cause a side effect. All of these medications are dose based on specific patient characteristics and many require frequent blood work or other clinical monitoring. Discuss your questions/ concerns with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider
A therapeutic index refers to difference between the minimum level a medication must reach within the body for it to be effective and the maximum level a drug will reach before a medication causes side effects. For most medications there is a large range between these two values. A narrow therapeutic medication has a must smaller index. Some medications for seizures or thyroid disease (for example other medications fall into the group too) have a small difference between what dose it required to achieve a proper response and too much that might cause a side effect. All of these medications are dose based on specific patient characteristics and many require frequent blood work or other clinical monitoring. Discuss your questions/ concerns with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider
What is drug toxicity?
A person with drug toxicity has accumulated too much of a medication in the bloodstream. The effects of the medication are more pronounced at toxic levels, and side effects may be severe. Toxicity may result when the dose is too high, or it may result when the liver or kidneys are unable to remove the drug from the bloodstream. Many commonly prescribed medications can accumulate in the bloodstream and result in toxicity.
A person with drug toxicity has accumulated too much of a medication in the bloodstream. The effects of the medication are more pronounced at toxic levels, and side effects may be severe. Toxicity may result when the dose is too high, or it may result when the liver or kidneys are unable to remove the drug from the bloodstream. Many commonly prescribed medications can accumulate in the bloodstream and result in toxicity.