A high therapeutic index indicates what about a drug?

A high therapeutic index indicates that a drug has a greater margin of safety between the effective dose and the toxic dose. This means that there is a wider dosing range in which the drug can be administered safely without causing harm to the patient. In practical terms, it implies that the drug can be given at higher doses without significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects.

This characteristic is particularly valuable in clinical settings, as it allows healthcare providers to tailor dosages more freely to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Medications with a low therapeutic index, in contrast, require more precise dosing and careful monitoring to ensure patient safety, as the difference between an effective dose and a dose that could cause adverse effects is much smaller.

Thus, a high therapeutic index is indicative of a safer drug profile, favorably influencing dosage decisions and enhancing patient care outcomes.