The enhanced effect when one medication increases the effect of another is called what?

• A. Potentiation
• B. Synergism
• C. Adulteration
• D. Tolerance

Answer: (A)

Potentiation is when one medication enhances the effect of another drug, and the potentiating drug may have little or no effect on its own. This boost can occur through pharmacokinetic means (such as inhibiting the metabolism or excretion of the second drug, leading to higher levels) or pharmacodynamic means (increasing the second drug’s effect at its target). A classic example is probenecid increasing penicillin levels by reducing renal clearance, thereby potentiating penicillin’s effect even though probenecid isn’t contributing antimicrobial activity itself. This differs from synergism, where both drugs contribute to a greater-than-additive effect. Adulteration refers to contamination, and tolerance is a reduced response to a drug over time.