Which term describes the amount of a drug necessary to produce the desired effect?

Which term describes the amount of a drug necessary to produce the desired effect?

• A. Dose
• B. Potency
• C. Threshold dose
• D. Lethal dose

Answer: (B)

Potency describes the amount of a drug needed to produce a given effect. A more potent drug achieves the desired effect at a smaller amount, whereas a less potent one requires a larger amount. That’s why potency is the term that matches the idea of “how much is needed to get the effect.” The actual amount you administer is the dose, which can vary based on potency and other factors. Threshold dose is the smallest amount that produces any effect, and lethal dose is the amount that could cause death.

Potency describes the amount of a drug needed to produce a given effect. A more potent drug achieves the desired effect at a smaller amount, whereas a less potent one requires a larger amount. That’s why potency is the term that matches the idea of “how much is needed to get the effect.” The actual amount you administer is the dose, which can vary based on potency and other factors. Threshold dose is the smallest amount that produces any effect, and lethal dose is the amount that could cause death.