Additive effect - a panacea it?

Modern medical practice is being improved every year, which is why there is a need to introduce new terms. In this article we will consider what is the additive effect and what it is eaten with.

In the world of living organisms - from bacteria to mammals - two main types of interaction of individuals are common: synergism and antagonism. Synergy is a joint activity, beneficial to all participants in the relationship. With antagonism, the action of one or a group of organisms adversely affects another group. Based on these observations, scientists came to this conclusion: similar models of relationships can be applied in medicine. Drug therapy, based on synergism, was called the "additive model." It was in demand in medicine. The effect of drugs on the basis of synergism was called the "additive effect." So, let's consider in more detail.

In medicine, the above concepts can be viewed from two perspectives: pharmacology and biology, but the essence remains unchanged.

The additive effect of drugs is a kind of synergy in which the sum of the effects of several substances applied simultaneously is equal to the sum of the effects of each substance separately. Put simply, one medicine has a positive effect on the other.

The additive model is a model in which the effect of the sum of drugs is equal to the effect of each drug individually (with the exclusion of the effects of other drugs). As an example, consider two drugs. When they act separately, despite the positive effect, each has its side effect. However, if the drugs are used together, one medicine will strengthen the effect of the other and, as a consequence, the side effect of one of the medicines either disappears or is weakened.

Drug synergism can be expressed not only as an additive effect, but also as a potentiation, that is, the effect of combined substances exceeds the sum of the effects of individual drugs.

In addition, direct and indirect synergism is distinguished, direct - drugs have one point of application, indirect - when drugs have a different point of application and affect indirectly on the effect of each other.

The additive method of drug therapy is widely used in modern medical practice, for example, with the introduction of non-narcotic analgesics. Other types of synergism have also found application. For example, potentiation is used in the introduction of aminazine and drugs for anesthesia. Aminazine, providing a potentiating effect on medicaments for anesthesia, allows you to reduce their dosage. Indirect and indirect synergies are used to treat diabetes mellitus and bronchial asthma.

Additive effect with proper use can be an excellent assistant in the treatment of a large number of various diseases. In doing so, it will help to heal even those diseases that are hard treated with standard methods. But it is worth remembering that the use of a large number of different drugs can lead to disastrous consequences, so always consult a doctor.