Potency

Definition

Potency is the measure of a drug's effectiveness in inhibiting or killing microorganisms. It indicates the concentration required to achieve a specific effect.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Potency is often measured by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an antimicrobial drug.
2. Higher potency means a lower concentration of the drug is needed to inhibit or kill bacteria.
3. The potency of a drug can be influenced by factors such as bacterial resistance mechanisms and bioavailability.
4. Potency does not necessarily correlate with broad-spectrum activity; a drug can be highly potent against specific pathogens but ineffective against others.
5. In clinical settings, knowing the potency helps in dosing regimens to maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects.

Review Questions

• What does it mean if an antimicrobial drug has high potency?
• How is potency typically measured in microbiology?
• Why is understanding the potency of an antimicrobial drug important in clinical settings?

Related terms

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC):

The lowest concentration of a drug that inhibits visible growth of a microorganism.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic: A type of antibiotic that targets a wide range of bacteria.

Bioavailability:

The proportion of a drug that enters circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.