What is "potentiation" in pharmacology?

Potentiation in pharmacology refers to the phenomenon where two drugs work together in such a way that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. This synergy occurs when one drug enhances the effect of another, leading to an increased potency. For example, if one drug has mild effects on its own, and another drug significantly boosts that effect when given together, the overall therapeutic outcome is amplified, providing more significant benefit to the patient.

This concept is distinct from the other terms presented. The removal of a drug from the body pertains to drug clearance or elimination, while competitive inhibition relates to how certain drugs can block or reduce the effectiveness of other substances by competing for binding sites or receptors. Lastly, drug tolerance refers to the body's diminishing response to a drug after repeated use, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effect over time. Potentiation emphasizes cooperation between substances rather than competition or gradual desensitization.