Side Effect, Adverse Effect, or Toxicity? What is the difference?
Side Effect : These effects are predictable, related to the drug and occurs at therapeutic doses. Secondary effect of drug. Example- Sedation after taking cetirizine.
Adverse Effect : These effects are unpredictable and produce harmful effect. Occurs at therapeutic dose and requires dose adjustment or discontinuation. Example- Severe acidity or vomiting after some medicines.
Toxic Effect : These effects are severe often cause due to overdose, prolonged use or accumulation. Life threatening and requires medical help. Example - Liver damage because of overdose of paracetamol.
Hence,
Side Effect ≠Adverse Effect ≠Toxic Effect
Were you aware about this?
MBH/PS