When a drug is described as having a narrow therapeutic range, what does that imply?

When a drug is described as having a narrow therapeutic range, it indicates that there is a small difference between the minimum effective dose and the minimum toxic dose. This means that only a slight increase in dosage could lead to toxicity, while a slight decrease may result in insufficient therapeutic effects. This characteristic requires careful monitoring of the drug's levels in the patient's system to avoid adverse effects and ensure the desired therapeutic outcomes.

In a practical sense, veterinary professionals must be particularly diligent when administering such medications, as the margin for error is minimal. This understanding helps in developing protocols for dosage adjustments and regular monitoring, ultimately leading to safer veterinary practice.