Antagonism is defined as two drugs work against each other?

Antagonism is defined as two drugs work against each other?

• A. Antagonism is defined as two drugs work against each other, decreasing effectiveness of one or both (tetracycline and antacid)
• B. Two drugs work together to produce a greater effect
• C. The desired effect of a drug
• D. A drug given to reverse effects of previously given drug

Answer: (A)

Antagonism in pharmacology means one drug interferes with the action of another, causing a reduction in effect. A classic example is when an antacid binds tetracycline in the gut, preventing its absorption and thereby decreasing the antibiotic’s effectiveness. This shows how two drugs can oppose each other and diminish overall action, which is exactly what antagonism describes. By contrast, two drugs that produce a greater effect illustrate synergism, the desired effect refers to the therapeutic outcome of a drug, and a reversal agent is a specific use where one drug is given to block or reverse the effect of another, not the general definition of antagonism.

Antagonism in pharmacology means one drug interferes with the action of another, causing a reduction in effect. A classic example is when an antacid binds tetracycline in the gut, preventing its absorption and thereby decreasing the antibiotic’s effectiveness. This shows how two drugs can oppose each other and diminish overall action, which is exactly what antagonism describes. By contrast, two drugs that produce a greater effect illustrate synergism, the desired effect refers to the therapeutic outcome of a drug, and a reversal agent is a specific use where one drug is given to block or reverse the effect of another, not the general definition of antagonism.