Idiosyncratic Drug Reactions: Uncommon Responses Explained

What is an idiosyncratic drug reaction?

An uncommon response to a drug by a patient, often due to genetic predisposition, is referred to as:

a. Genetic drug response
b. Idiosyncratic reaction
c. Atypical drug response
d. Allele-specific reaction
Final answer:

Answer:

An uncommon response to a drug by a patient, potentially influenced by genetic predisposition, is termed as an Idiosyncratic reaction.

Explanation: The term that describes an uncommon response to a drug by a patient, which may be influenced by genetic predisposition, is referred to as an Idiosyncratic reaction. This is not to be confused with responses such as allergic reactions or hypersensitivities which are immune responses to allergens, or with personalized medicines that are tailored based on genetic information. An idiosyncratic response is unique and unpredictable, and can be caused due to varying factors including genetic characteristics, thus potentially explaining why some individuals or groups (for instance, redheads) might respond differently to certain drugs than others.