What does a 'narrow margin of safety' imply about a substance?

A 'narrow margin of safety' refers to the small difference between the effective dose of a substance and the toxic dose. This concept is crucial in pharmacology and toxicology because it means that only a slight increase in dosage can lead to adverse or toxic effects. Therefore, a substance with a narrow margin of safety is one that may pose significant risks of toxicity at doses that are only marginally higher than the therapeutic dose, making it potentially highly toxic.

This characterization indicates that caution is needed when administering such substances, as the line between therapeutic and harmful effects is quite thin. This is particularly relevant in the context of certain medications and chemicals that can have serious side effects or toxic reactions at higher concentrations. Understanding the margin of safety is essential for safe dosing and minimizing risks, hence the significance of a narrow safety margin indicating a higher potential for toxicity.