Toxicity

Definition

Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals. It is a crucial factor in determining safe dosage levels for medications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Toxicity can result from an overdose, prolonged use, or interactions with other drugs.
2. Symptoms of toxicity vary depending on the drug and may include nausea, dizziness, organ damage, or even death.
3. The therapeutic index (TI) is used to compare the toxic dose to the therapeutic dose of a drug.
4. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics play significant roles in the development and management of toxicity.
5. Assessing patient history is vital in preventing potential toxic reactions.

Review Questions

• What factors can lead to drug toxicity?
• How does the therapeutic index relate to drug toxicity?
• Why are pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics important in understanding toxicity?

Related terms

Pharmacokinetics:

Study of how a drug moves through the body.

Pharmacodynamics:

Study of how a drug affects the body.

Therapeutic Index (TI): Ratio between the toxic dose and therapeutic dose of a drug.