What term describes a medication-induced non-true allergy?

The term that best describes a medication-induced non-true allergy is "adverse reaction." An adverse reaction encompasses a wide range of responses to a medication that are not necessarily related to the body's immune response, which is what characterizes a true allergy. Instead, an adverse reaction can include side effects, unexpected effects, or other harmful outcomes that may occur due to a medication.

Understanding the distinction is important in clinical practice. While allergies involve an immunological response, leading to symptoms such as anaphylaxis or urticaria, adverse reactions can manifest as various medical issues, such as nausea or dizziness, which do not involve the immune system. Recognizing these differences helps in the accurate documentation of patient responses to medications and supports safer prescribing practices.