What is one of the primary concerns when administering medications with a narrow therapeutic index?

Medications with a narrow therapeutic index have a small margin between the minimum effective dose and the minimum toxic dose. This means that even slight variations in dosage or blood concentration can lead to therapeutic failure or toxicity. For instance, if the dose is increased slightly above the therapeutic range, it may result in adverse effects, while a small decrease might lead to inadequate treatment. Therefore, monitoring is critical to ensure that drug levels remain within the therapeutic range and do not cross into the toxic range, emphasizing the importance of precision in dosing and careful patient assessment.

While cost, availability of generics, and the patient's age are important factors in medication management, they do not directly relate to the inherent risks associated with the administration of medications that have a narrow therapeutic index. The focus on the potential for toxicity stemming from small changes in dose is key in clinical decision-making regarding these medications.