What can a high therapeutic index indicate about a drug?

A high therapeutic index indicates a greater margin of safety for a drug. The therapeutic index is a ratio that compares the toxic dose of a medication to its therapeutic dose, providing insight into how safely a drug can be used. When a drug has a high therapeutic index, it means that there is a wide gap between the dose that produces a therapeutic effect and the dose that produces toxic effects. This suggests that the drug can be used effectively without a high risk of serious adverse effects, making it safer and easier to administer.

In clinical practice, a greater margin of safety allows healthcare providers to prescribe medications with more confidence, as there is less likelihood of adverse reactions occurring at standard dosages. This characteristic is particularly important in pharmacotherapy, as it assists in determining dosing regimens and minimizing patient risk.