The therapeutic index (TI) is a crucial measure in toxicology that helps determine the safety margin of a drug. It is calculated by comparing the dose that causes toxic effects (TD50) to the dose that produces the desired therapeutic effect (ED50). A higher TI indicates a wider safety margin, suggesting that the drug can be used safely over a range of doses. Conversely, a lower TI implies a narrow safety margin, requiring careful monitoring and dosing adjustments.