What does "addition" refer to in the context of drug interaction?

In the context of drug interactions, "addition" describes a situation where the combined effect of two drugs is equal to the sum of their individual effects. This means that if Drug A produces a certain effect and Drug B produces a certain effect, when taken together, their total impact is simply the straightforward addition of these two effects. This concept is important in pharmacology as it helps healthcare providers predict how drug combinations might behave in terms of efficacy and potential side effects.

Understanding the principle of addition as described allows for better planning in medication management, ensuring that treatments are effective without unintended enhancements or neutralizations of the intended effects.