Which term describes a drug interaction where one drug increases the effect of another?

• A. Side effect
• B. Potentiation
• C. Antagonism
• D. Tolerance

Answer: (B)

Potentiation is a drug interaction in which one drug increases the effect of another. This can happen when the boosting drug alters how the second drug is processed in the body—such as slowing metabolism or elimination—leading to higher levels and a stronger effect. It can also occur when the drugs interact at the same receptor or signaling pathway to enhance the overall action, even if the potentiating drug doesn’t have a strong effect on its own. The important idea is that the combined effect on the target outcome is greater due to the interaction.

Side effects are unintended consequences that accompany a drug’s action, not specifically about increasing another drug’s effect. Antagonism is when one drug reduces or blocks the effect of another. Tolerance is a reduced response to a drug over time, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect, rather than an immediate interaction that heightens another drug’s impact.