What does the 'therapeutic index' indicate about a drug?

The therapeutic index is a crucial pharmacological concept that quantifies the safety of a drug by comparing the amount of the drug that produces a therapeutic effect to the amount that leads to toxicity. Specifically, it indicates the ratio between the toxic dose and the effective dose, which is essential in determining the drug's margin of safety. A higher therapeutic index suggests that there is a larger range between the effective dose and the toxic dose, indicating a safer profile for the drug. This information is vital for clinicians when prescribing medications, as it helps them assess the risk of adverse effects in relation to the drug’s therapeutic benefits.