What is one potential outcome of altered pharmacokinetic interactions?

Altered pharmacokinetic interactions can lead to unexpected side effects due to changes in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion. When these pharmacokinetic processes are modified, the concentration of the drug in the system may increase or decrease significantly, potentially leading to therapeutic effects that are not anticipated. For example, if the metabolism of a drug is inhibited, this can result in higher blood levels of the drug than intended, thus increasing the likelihood of side effects or adverse reactions.

In contrast, while increased therapeutic efficacy, decreased systemic exposure, or enhanced drug-binding affinity could occur as a result of pharmacokinetic interactions, these outcomes tend to be more predictable based on the specific changes in drug behavior rather than surprising or unanticipated effects. This unpredictability is what makes unexpected side effects a primary concern when pharmacokinetic interactions are altered.