What occurs when the action of a drug is altered by another drug?

When the action of a drug is altered by another drug, it is referred to as a drug interaction. This occurs when the effects of one drug are enhanced, reduced, or otherwise changed due to the presence of another drug. Drug interactions can happen in various ways, such as through synergistic effects, where two drugs work together to produce a greater effect, or antagonistic effects, where one drug inhibits the action of another. Understanding drug interactions is crucial in medication management, as they can lead to increased side effects or decreased therapeutic effectiveness of medications. It highlights the importance of healthcare providers considering all medications a patient is taking to avoid adverse outcomes.