What does potentiation refer to in pharmacology?

Potentiation in pharmacology refers specifically to the scenario where one drug enhances or increases the effect of another drug when both are administered together. This interaction can result in a greater therapeutic effect than what would be expected from the individual drugs acting separately. For example, if Drug A has a therapeutic effect and Drug B is introduced, which increases the efficacy of Drug A, the overall effect on the patient can be significantly enhanced.

The concept of potentiation is critical in medication management, as understanding these interactions helps healthcare providers optimize treatment regimens and minimize potential adverse effects. For instance, certain medications may be prescribed together to achieve a desired therapeutic response that could not be met by using either agent alone, thus exemplifying the principle of potentiation.