The correct answer and explanation is:
Of course. Here are the correct answers and a detailed explanation.
Correct Answers:
- Synergism refers to the effect caused by combining two or more substances where the resulting effect is greater than if the substances were used alone.
- A positive reason for combining drugs is to help doctors treat patients with less side effects.
Explanation
The first answer defines synergism, a key concept in pharmacology. A synergistic interaction occurs when the combined effect of two or more substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects. A simple analogy is that 1 plus 1 equals 3, not 2. This can have both negative and positive consequences. For instance, combining alcohol with certain sedatives can produce a dangerously amplified level of central nervous system depression, far greater than either substance would cause on its own. This highlights the risks of unintentional synergism.
This leads directly to the second question, which explores the therapeutic or positive application of drug interactions. While achieving a synergistic effect for greater potency is one reason to combine drugs, another significant benefit is the potential to reduce adverse effects. The correct answer, “to help doctors treat patients with less side effects,” illustrates this important principle of combination therapy.
Doctors may prescribe two different drugs at lower individual doses to achieve a desired therapeutic outcome. Because many side effects are dose-dependent, using smaller amounts of each drug can minimize or avoid the negative effects associated with higher doses of a single medication. For example, in treating high blood pressure, combining a small dose of a diuretic with a small dose of an ACE inhibitor can be as effective as a large dose of either drug alone, but with a lower risk of side effects like dizziness or electrolyte imbalance. This approach allows for effective treatment while improving patient safety and tolerance, which is a primary goal in modern medicine. The other options are incorrect because recreational use is not a positive medical reason, and while pharmaceutical revenue may be a result, it is not the clinical justification for the therapy.
