Final answer:
When determining the dosage of a drug, factors such as body weight, age, gender, overall health, and drug interactions should be considered. Typical side effects of drugs can include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and headache, with contributing factors such as sensitivity, dosage, administration route, and drug interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When determining the dosage of a drug, five factors to consider are:
- Body weight: A larger individual may require a higher dose to achieve a therapeutic effect.
- Age: The metabolism and elimination of drugs can vary based on age.
- Gender: Some drugs may have different effects or require adjusted dosages based on gender.
- Overall health: Certain medical conditions or liver and kidney function can influence drug metabolism and elimination.
- Drug interactions: If a patient is taking other medications, their interactions can affect the dosage required.
Typical side effects associated with drugs include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and headache. Factors that might contribute to these side effects include the individual's sensitivity to the drug, dosage amount, route of administration, and drug interactions.