Toxicity refers to how poisonous or harmful a substance can be.

“Learn how drug toxicity occurs, the signs it may exist, and how drug toxicity is treated.

Drug Toxicity vs. Drug Overdose

Drug toxicity anddrug overdoseare often confused.

Woman about to take a pill with water

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Drug toxicity is typically accidental, while drug overdose can be either accidental or intentional.

In some cases, the threshold between an effective dose and a toxic dose is very narrow.

Three factors determine the toxicity of a toxin or prescription drug.

Drug toxicity symptoms can differ depending on the medication you are taking.

Chronic drug toxicity, or drug toxicity that occurs due to long-term build-up, is harder to identify.

Treatment of Drug Toxicity

There are several ways drug toxicity may be treated.

Activated charcoal is another drug toxicity treatment option.

It can be used to bind the drug, preventing it from being absorbed into the blood.

(If this approach is used, the drug is eliminated from the body through stool).

Other medications may also be given as an antidote for drug toxicity.

Quick treatment can result in fewer complications.

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