What is a potential outcome of insufficient metabolism of a drug in the body?

Insufficient metabolism of a drug in the body can lead to drug accumulation and toxicity. When a drug is not metabolized effectively, it remains in the bloodstream longer than intended, leading to higher concentrations within the system. This increased concentration can exceed the therapeutic range, ultimately resulting in toxic effects.

Metabolism is crucial for transforming active drugs into inactive metabolites that can be excreted. If this process is impaired, not only does the active drug persist in the body, but it can also lead to adverse reactions depending on the drug's effects and the degree of accumulation. Monitoring for signs of toxicity becomes essential in such cases, as it may require medical intervention to reduce the drug levels or provide supportive care for the animal.

While decreased drug clearance does happen in cases of insufficient metabolism, it is the accumulation that directly leads to toxicity, making the second option the most relevant outcome in this context. The other options—such as increased efficacy or improved patient response—are generally linked to appropriate metabolic activity and not to the consequences of insufficient metabolism.