INDEX animal model limitations

Figure 5.9. Dose-response profile in a population. (A) Relationship between responding patients, expressed as percentage of individuals, and plasma drug concentrations. With increasing drug concentration, the proportion of patients who derive therapeutic benefit, without concentration-limited side effect peaks, and then declines. (B) A schematic representation of dose-response curves. Typical therapeutic and lethal responses at indicated doses are evaluated in animal models to estimate therapeutic index, TI. ED50, effective dose needed to produce a therapeutic response in 50% of animals, exhibiting therapeutic response LD50, effective dose needed to produce lethal effects in 50% of animals.

Succimer has also been effective in animal models and has a higher therapeutic index than dimercaprol. However, because it is available in the United States only for oral administration, its use may not be advisable in the initial treatment of acute arsenic poisoning, when severe gastroenteritis and splanchnic edema may limit absorption by this route. 

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