
Act and potency
In pharmacology, "activity" (or "act") refers to the strength or effect a substance has when it interacts with the body, such as relieving pain or reducing inflammation. "Potency" describes the amount of a substance needed to produce a specific effect; a more potent drug requires a smaller dose to achieve the same result. Essentially, activity measures how strong an effect is, while potency compares how much of a substance is needed for that effect. These concepts help in understanding the effectiveness and dosage of medications.