Term
Definition
Description
Efficacy
(Intrinsic Activity)
(Intrinsic Activity)
A measure of the magnitude of the effect that a drug-receptor system produces
- Can be described using graded or quantal responses
- Graded response
- Value between 0 - 100% given depending on the effect on a particular system
- The value of 100% represents maximal effect of a drug-receptor complex (Emax) irrespective of drug concentration
- Quantal response:
- Value between 0 - 100% is given depending on the proportion of a specific population in which effect is produced
- Efficacy forms the y-axis in a dose-response curve (efficacy vs dose)