When one drug is affected by another drug or food, it is known as a __________?

The term that describes when one drug is influenced by another drug or food is referred to as a drug interaction. This phenomenon occurs when the pharmacological effects of one drug are modified by the presence of another substance, which can lead to increased or decreased efficacy of the medications involved or potential unexpected side effects. Understanding drug interactions is crucial for ensuring patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness, as it highlights how certain medications or dietary components can alter the absorption, metabolism, or elimination of other drugs.

Other terms listed do not accurately capture this specific relationship. A drug reaction generally refers to the body's response to a drug, which may include any effects (intended or adverse) rather than specifically interactions between drugs or food. An adverse effect specifically denotes an undesirable or harmful reaction to a medication but does not indicate a modifying influence from another agent. Cumulative effect refers to the increased intensity of medication effects due to repeated doses over time and is not related to the interaction of different drugs or substances. Therefore, drug interaction is the most precise term for the described phenomenon.