What is the definition of a side effect in relation to medication?

A side effect refers to an unintended result caused by a drug, which can occur alongside the medication's intended therapeutic effects. Medications are often developed to address specific health issues, but they can also interact with the body in ways that were not anticipated, leading to various side effects. These may range from mild to severe and can affect different systems in the body.

For example, a medication prescribed to alleviate pain may also cause nausea or drowsiness even though those effects are not its primary purpose. Understanding that side effects can occur helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about prescribing medications while patients are aware of potential outcomes.

The other options describe different concepts related to medications but do not accurately define a side effect. The intended therapeutic outcome represents the primary goal of a medication, withdrawal symptoms pertain to the effects of stopping a drug after prolonged use, and an adverse reaction is generally considered a more severe, negative incident related to the drug.