If the purpose of a drug is unknown, what is the first step to take in assessing its potential side effects?

When assessing the potential side effects of a drug with an unknown purpose, the first step should be to determine if it is taken orally. This is vital because the route of administration significantly impacts how the drug is absorbed, metabolized, and distributed in the body, which in turn influences the likelihood and nature of its side effects. Oral medications generally undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver before entering systemic circulation, potentially altering their effectiveness and side effects. Knowing the administration route helps narrow down potential side effects related to gastrointestinal issues or metabolic considerations particular to oral medications.

In addition, understanding how the drug is administered can guide further assessment steps, such as evaluating interactions with other medications or determining if specific monitoring is needed post-administration.