Which term describes the interaction where the combined effect of two drugs is greater than either alone?

Which term describes the interaction where the combined effect of two drugs is greater than either alone?

• A. Synergism
• B. Tolerance
• C. Antagonism
• D. Dependence

Answer: (A)

Synergism is when two drugs interact to produce a stronger overall effect than either would alone. This means the combined impact exceeds the effect of each drug by itself, not just a simple sum. For example, taking alcohol with sedatives can lead to much deeper central nervous system depression than either substance alone, raising the risk of serious harm. Tolerance is about the body needing more of a drug to achieve the same effect over time, not about two drugs enhancing each other. Antagonism occurs when one drug blocks or reduces another's effect. Dependence refers to needing a drug to avoid withdrawal, not to the interaction between two drugs.

Synergism is when two drugs interact to produce a stronger overall effect than either would alone. This means the combined impact exceeds the effect of each drug by itself, not just a simple sum. For example, taking alcohol with sedatives can lead to much deeper central nervous system depression than either substance alone, raising the risk of serious harm. Tolerance is about the body needing more of a drug to achieve the same effect over time, not about two drugs enhancing each other. Antagonism occurs when one drug blocks or reduces another's effect. Dependence refers to needing a drug to avoid withdrawal, not to the interaction between two drugs.