General responses produced by drugs

addiction

body response to certain types of drugs that produces both a physiological need and a psychological craving for the substance

antagonistic action

result observed when medications, used together, have adverse effects or counteract one another

Cumulative

exaggerated drug effects, which occur when the body is unable to metabolize a drug as rapidly as it is administered; the accumulated, unmetabolized drug may cause unfavorable reactions

Depressive action

effect from drugs that slow down cell function 

Habituation

individual’s development of a psychological need for a specific medication

Hypersensitivity

allergic response to a specific drug; such allergies may be demonstrated by a mild skin irritation, itching, rash, or a severe anaphylactic reaction, which could be fatal

Idiosyncrasy

unusual reaction to a drug; a distinctive response

Irritation

process, as well as effect, caused by substances that result in a cellular change

Paradoxical reaction

a drug-induced effect that is the exact opposite of that which is therapeutically intended

Potentiating agent

a pharmaceutical that increases the effect of another

specific effect

action usually produced by a drug in a select tissue or organ system

side effect

the result of a medication that is given for a particular condition but affects other body areas or has effects other than those sought

stimulation

effect caused by drugs that speed up cell activity

Synergistic effect

result that occurs when drugs given together produce a greater reaction than when given alone

Tolerance

condition existing when a certain drug dosage is no longer able to give a therapeutic action and must therefore be increased