What is the relationship between the toxic dose and effective dose called?

The relationship between the toxic dose and effective dose is known as the therapeutic index. This concept is crucial in pharmacology as it quantifies the safety of a drug. The therapeutic index is essentially the ratio of the toxic dose (the dosage that produces toxicity) to the effective dose (the dosage that provides a therapeutic effect).

A high therapeutic index indicates that there is a large margin of safety between the effective dose and the toxic dose, meaning the drug can be administered at a wider range without causing harm. Conversely, a low therapeutic index suggests that there is a narrower margin of safety, which may necessitate careful monitoring of drug levels and patient response to avoid potential toxicity.

Understanding the therapeutic index helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding medication dosing, monitoring of side effects, and the overall risk-benefit analysis of treatment options.