Which term denotes the undesired effects caused by a medication?

• A. Mechanism of action
• B. Indications
• C. Side effects
• D. Pharmacological class

Answer: (C)

Side effects are undesired effects caused by a medication. They happen when the drug influences tissues or systems beyond its intended therapeutic target. Many side effects are predictable and dose-related—for example, sedation from certain antihistamines or dry mouth from anticholinergic drugs. Some can be more serious and require monitoring or switching therapies. Grasping side effects helps providers anticipate them, counsel patients, and weigh benefits against risks. By contrast, mechanism of action explains how the drug produces its therapeutic effect, indications are the conditions it’s approved to treat, and pharmacological class groups drugs by shared structure or mechanism.