What is an unintended response to medication at normal doses called?

An unintended response to medication at normal doses is referred to as an adverse drug reaction. This term encompasses any negative or harmful response that occurs when a medication is used as intended, including side effects or toxicity that may arise even when the drug is administered at the recommended therapeutic dosage.

Understanding adverse drug reactions is crucial in pharmacotherapy because they can significantly impact patient safety and treatment outcomes. Healthcare professionals must closely monitor patients for these reactions to ensure that medications are both effective and safe.

The other terms, such as drug interaction, imply a different concept where two or more medications influence each other's effects, leading to unexpected side effects. The placebo effect pertains to the phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived improvement in condition due to their expectations rather than the pharmacological action of the drug. Tolerance refers to a reduced response to a medication after prolonged use, necessitating higher doses to achieve the desired effect.