Which term is the opposite of a normal drug effect, representing an unexpected response?

Which term is the opposite of a normal drug effect, representing an unexpected response?

• A. Idiosyncrasy
• B. Tolerance
• C. Cumulation
• D. Potentiation

Answer: (A)

Idiosyncrasy describes an unusual, unpredictable drug reaction that doesn’t follow the normal, expected effect for a given dose. These responses are patient-specific and often arise from genetic differences in metabolism or immune factors, so the outcome isn’t what most people would experience at that dose. Tolerance is a diminishing response with repeated use, cumulation is drug buildup in the body from dosing, and potentiation is an enhanced effect when combined with another drug. The idea of an unexpected, abnormal reaction that deviates from the usual effect is best captured by idiosyncrasy.

Idiosyncrasy describes an unusual, unpredictable drug reaction that doesn’t follow the normal, expected effect for a given dose. These responses are patient-specific and often arise from genetic differences in metabolism or immune factors, so the outcome isn’t what most people would experience at that dose.

Tolerance is a diminishing response with repeated use, cumulation is drug buildup in the body from dosing, and potentiation is an enhanced effect when combined with another drug. The idea of an unexpected, abnormal reaction that deviates from the usual effect is best captured by idiosyncrasy.