The interaction of one drug increased by the presence of a second drug is known as:
A. Potentiation
B. Addictive effects
C. Antagonism
D. Synergism
Correct Answer: A. Potentiation
Potentiation occurs when the action of one drug is increased by the action of another. Think of two words potentiate and potential together. The potential of one drug is higher when a second drug is added to it.
Option B: When two drugs are used together, their effects can be additive (the result is what you expect when you add together the effect of each drug taken independently).
Option C: An interaction between two or more drugs that have opposite effects on the body. Drug antagonism may block or reduce the effectiveness of one or more of the drugs.
Option D: An interaction between two or more drugs that causes the total effect of the drugs to be greater than the sum of the individual effects of each drug. A synergistic effect can be beneficial or harmful.