What happens when administering more of a drug beyond its efficacy?

When administering more of a drug beyond its efficacy, it typically leads to more adverse reactions. At a certain point, increasing the dosage of a medication does not enhance its therapeutic effects; instead, it raises the likelihood of adverse effects due to the body's limits on how it processes and reacts to the drug.

Beyond the maximum effective dose, patients may experience the side effects of a drug more intensely or new side effects that were not present at lower doses. This phenomenon stems from the body's response to excessive concentrations of the drug, which can overwhelm physiological systems and lead to toxicity.

Understanding this concept is crucial in pharmacology, as it underscores the importance of adhering to recommended dosages to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing the risk of harmful effects.