Side-effect

Side effect refers to any unintended effect of a medication or drug that occurs in addition to its intended therapeutic effect. Side effects can range from mild to severe and can occur in all individuals who take the medication.

Overview

A side effect can be defined as an unintended effect that occurs when a medication is administered, regardless of the dose. While the term is predominantly employed to describe adverse effects, it can also apply to beneficial, but unintended, consequences of the use of a drug.

Classification

Side effects may be classified into two main categories: Common side effects and Serious side effects. Common side effects are those that are frequently experienced by individuals taking a particular medication. These effects are usually mild and often resolve on their own without medical intervention. Serious side effects, on the other hand, are less common but can be life-threatening. They require immediate medical attention.

Causes

Side effects occur because all medications have the potential to affect multiple physiological processes in the body. This is due to the fact that most drugs do not interact with just one single molecular target but can interact with several.

Management

The management of side effects largely depends on their severity. Mild side effects may not require any treatment and may resolve on their own. However, serious side effects may require immediate medical attention and may necessitate the discontinuation of the medication.

See also

• Adverse effect
• Drug interaction
• Pharmacovigilance

Side-effect Resources
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References

External links

• FDA: Side Effects of Drugs
• Mayo Clinic: Drug Allergy