The effectiveness of a drug is referred to as its?

The effectiveness of a drug is best described by the term efficacy. Efficacy refers to the ability of a drug to produce the desired therapeutic effect under controlled conditions. It indicates how well a drug works when used appropriately, regardless of the dosage – essentially measuring the maximum effect that can be achieved with that medication.

Potency, while related, specifically refers to the amount of a drug needed to produce a particular effect; a more potent drug will achieve the same effect at a lower dosage compared to a less potent one. Thus, potency is about the relationship between dose and effect, while efficacy encompasses overall effectiveness in producing the desired outcome.

Safety pertains to the risk of adverse effects and the overall risk-benefit profile of a drug, and dosage relates to the specific amount of a drug administered to achieve a therapeutic effect. Both of these terms do not directly measure how effective a drug is in treating a condition.