Potency and efficacy are the two terms that are always used interchangeably, especially when discussing medication. Nevertheless, they are two distinct terms that explain two different aspects of medication. The word potency refers to the quantity of the drug, which is often expressed in milligrams, that is required to produce an effect on the body like reducing pain or the level of blood pressure (Adams, 2016). For instance, it is possible that 200mg of drug A reduces pain effective as that of 400mg of B. In that case, drug A is twice as potent and B. Efficacy, on the other hand, is the possible therapeutic response that a given drug can produce (Acuña‐Castillo et al ., 2002). For example, drug C may be able to eliminate much more salt and water through the kidney than D. therefore, C is having greater efficacy than D. However, greater efficacy and potency does not mean than one drug is better than the other.
Apart from potency and efficacy, the other main factor that can influence Steven’s decision is side effects of a drug. Steve is likely to ignore drug that is likely to have more and longer side effects, even though it might be the best. Patients fear taking drugs that have a lot of side effects. Potential toxicity is another factor that can significantly affect the decision made by Steven on the drug to take. He is likely to avoid the drug that is indicated to have a high level of toxicity. In addition, cost of the drug can also influence Steven’s decision. Therefore, there are a number of factors that influence patient’s decisions on the drug to take, particularly if they do not understand them.
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References
Acuña‐Castillo, C., Villalobos, C., Moya, P. R., Sáez, P., Cassels, B. K., & Huidobro‐Toro, J. P. (2002). Differences in potency and efficacy of a series of phenylisopropylamine/phenylethylamine pairs at 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors. British journal of pharmacology , 136 (4), 510-519.
Adams, K. (20161). Potency Vs Efficacy . Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_5535091_potency-vs-efficacy.html
