What is the risk of exceeding the therapeutic index of a drug?

Exceeding the therapeutic index of a drug primarily leads to unwanted symptoms and toxicity. The therapeutic index represents the range of doses of a drug that produces therapeutic effects without causing significant adverse effects. When the dosage surpasses this range, the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects increases drastically. Toxicity can manifest in various ways, depending on the medication and the individual, potentially leading to severe health complications or even life-threatening situations.

While increased efficacy might be desired in some scenarios, it typically pertains to staying within the therapeutic range rather than exceeding it. Reduced absorption is not a direct consequence of surpassing the therapeutic index; rather, it relates more to how the body processes a medication. Allergic reactions, on the other hand, can occur independently of the therapeutic index, affecting individuals based on their unique sensitivities to a drug. Therefore, the primary concern with exceeding the therapeutic index is the increased risk of toxicity and unwanted effects.