Help with Synergist & Additive Effects in Pharmacology

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Specializes in Pediatric CVICU.

I don'y know if anyone remembers this but what is the reak difference? i know that one of these has to do with the same 2 types of drugs but which one is which? help test on monday

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Synergistic effects occur when 2 or more drugs work together to form a stronger response than individually. Additive is when the drugs work separately and pairing them does not increase the overall affect.

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o Additive effects

Two drugs with similar action sum their effects

1 + 1 = 2

E.g., ETOH & sedatives cause increased sedation

o Synergism

Two drugs with different mechanisms of action produce greater effects

1 + 1 = 3

E.g., codeine and aspirin together produce greatly increased pain relief

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