What term is used to describe a drug that has a positive effect on a faulty physiologic system?

The term that describes a drug having a positive effect on a faulty physiological system is known as the therapeutic effect. This indicates that the drug is designed to treat, alleviate, or improve a specific medical condition by counteracting the underlying issue within the physiology of the patient.

When a drug achieves its intended purpose, such as reducing symptoms, curing a disease, or enhancing the patient’s overall health, it exemplifies a therapeutic effect. This is the primary goal of pharmacotherapy – to use medications effectively to support and restore normal body functions.

In contrast, side effects refer to unintended outcomes that may occur alongside the desired therapeutic effects, which can range from mild to severe but are not the main purpose of the drug's administration. Adverse reactions are more severe or harmful responses to a drug, often requiring medical attention and potentially outweighing the drug's benefits. Iatrogenic effects are caused unintentionally by medical treatment, which can include complications from interventions or medications. None of these terms encapsulates the positive and intended nature of the therapeutic actions of a drug on a faulty physiological system.