Which term is used to describe a substance that increases the effect of another drug?

The term that describes a substance that increases the effect of another drug is synergist. In pharmacology, a synergistic effect occurs when two substances work together to produce a greater effect than either would alone. This can happen when the combined effects of the drugs enhance their potency or efficacy, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes.

For instance, if Drug A has a certain effect and Drug B, when added, enhances that effect significantly without causing adverse effects, Drug B would be considered a synergist in this scenario. Understanding synergy is crucial because it can impact dosing and treatment protocols, helping healthcare professionals maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

In contrast, an antagonist blocks or dampens the effects of other drugs, an agonist activates receptors to produce a response, and an inhibitor typically reduces the activity or efficacy of enzymes or pathways, none of which directly describe the enhancement of another drug’s effect.