Therapeutic window
Therapeutic Window
The Therapeutic Window (pronunciation: /θɛrəˈpjuːtɪk 'wɪndoʊ/), also known as the Therapeutic Index or Therapeutic Ratio, is a term used in Pharmacology and Toxicology to describe the range of drug dosages which can treat disease effectively while staying within the safety limits.
Etymology
The term "Therapeutic Window" is derived from the field of Medicine, where "therapeutic" refers to the treatment of disease, and "window" metaphorically refers to the range or scope of treatment that is considered safe and effective.
Definition
The Therapeutic Window is defined as the dosage range or blood plasma concentration that can be used in treatment without causing adverse effects. It is a critical parameter in drug development and clinical use, as it determines the dosage that can be used to achieve therapeutic effects without causing toxicity.
Related Terms
- Pharmacodynamics: The study of the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.
- Pharmacokinetics: The study of how an organism affects a drug, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
- Toxicity: The degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals.
- Adverse effect: An undesired harmful effect resulting from a medication or other intervention such as surgery.
Calculation
The Therapeutic Window is calculated by dividing the dose of the drug that causes toxicity by the dose that produces a therapeutic effect. The larger the therapeutic window, the safer the drug is considered to be.
Importance
The Therapeutic Window is important in determining the correct dosage of a drug. If the dosage is too low, it may not have the desired therapeutic effect. If it is too high, it may cause toxicity. Therefore, understanding the therapeutic window is crucial in drug development and clinical practice.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Therapeutic window
- Wikipedia's article - Therapeutic window
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