What is a common effect of drugs with a narrow therapeutic window?

Drugs with a narrow therapeutic window are those where the range between the minimum effective dose and the minimum toxic dose is very small. This characteristic means that only a slight increase in the dose can lead to adverse effects or toxicity, making them riskier to use. Therefore, these drugs require close monitoring and precise dosing to ensure that patients remain within the therapeutic range and avoid potential toxic reactions.

In contrast, drugs with a wide therapeutic window can be administered with more flexibility since there is a larger distance between effective and toxic doses, which reduces the risk of harmful effects. Understanding the implications of a narrow therapeutic window is crucial for safe medication management, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with renal and hepatic impairments who may process medications differently.